Cow milk is considered a complete food as it contains almost all the nutrients that your body needs such as high-quality protein and essential micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins The immense health benefits of this milk have been recorded in the ancient Ayurvedic texts dating back to 1 BCE. Thus, cow’s milk is valued for its diverse nutritional profile and makes up for 90% of global milk production.
Scroll down to explore detailed science-backed cow milk benefits for men and women and learn if there are any disadvantages of using it.
Ayurvedic Understanding of the Benefits of Cow Milk
Based on Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, cow’s milk is believed to be the white nectar or blessing from the gods. It is not only considered nutritious but also auspicious and is widely used in holy ceremonies and traditional medicines.
Properties of Cow’s Milk
As per Ayurveda, there are various inherent properties of cow’s milk that contribute to various health results. These are as follows:
Rasa (Taste):
It has a sweet taste that increases Ojas (vitality) in the body. Its consumption supports immunity and has a calming effect on the body. Since it is a sattvic (pure) food, it lowers the rajas qualities of the body and mind and helps manage stress and anxiety. Therefore, better mental health can be one of the many cow milk benefits for men and women, as per ayurveda.
Virya (Potency):
Cow milk is cooling in nature and it is ideal for pacifying pitta dosha (fire energy of the body). This makes it a perfect and refreshing drink to combat body issues related to excess heat such as acidity.
Cow Milk Nutrition
One cup of cow milk is found to have the following composition of nutrients:
- Calories: 152
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Water: 88%
- Carbs: 12 grams
- Protein: 8.14 grams
- Sugar: 12 grams
Move to the next section to understand the detailed cow milk benefits for females and males.
Benefits of Cow Milk
Here is how consuming cow’s milk can improve your health:
Strengthens Bones
Cow’s milk is an abundant source of vitamin D and K and minerals like phosphorus and calcium. Consuming it helps improve bone density and prevents the risk of osteoporosis. This is one of the reasons why milk is recommended for children to boost their growth.
May Enhance Muscle Growth
Cow’s milk is an excellent source of protein which can be great for the muscle growth of both babies and bodybuilders. Drinking it improves protein synthesis in the body, making it a nutritious post-workout drink for fitness enthusiasts.
Helps Improve Hydration
Milk makes an excellent beverage and can be given to infants as a whole meal. It contains a lot of water which makes it a refreshing and hydrating drink for kids and adults.
Reduces Body Heat
Milk has a cooling effect on the stomach and can be a great remedy for heartburn and acidity after you have eaten spicy and oily foods. Moreover, one of the many cow milk benefits for females include relief in menopause, heat flashes and regulation of mood.
Helps Relax Mind
Drinking cow is known to boost serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin has been shown to have calming effects on the mind and body. Thus sipping on a cup of cow milk can be a remedy to tackle stress.
Provides Sound Sleep
Drinking cow’s milk just before bed helps boost melatonin production. Since melatonin induces sleepiness, drinking it at night can help ensure sound sleep. Next time you want to sleep like a baby, gulp a glass of warm milk before bed.
May Support Weight Loss
The milk of cows is rich in selenium, vitamin B, and vitamin D that help stabilize energy production. Consuming it may be beneficial for boosting lipid metabolism which may ease your weight loss journey.
Side Effects and Precautions
Despite these promising health benefits, cow’s milk may not be for everyone. Here’s why:
- Avoid consuming the milk of cows if you are lactose intolerant and look for signs such as difficulty in breathing, dizziness, loose motions, etc.
- Fatty milk of cow has an adverse impact on your cholesterol levels, therefore opt for low-fat milk when trying to lose weight.
- Avoid consuming it if you have digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome as this milk can be difficult to digest.
- In some people, consuming milk or dairy products can aggravate inflammation and lead to problems like acne.
- Avoid consuming it in large quantities as it can cause diarrhea.
Wrap Up
Cow milk is rich in protein, minerals, fats, vitamins, making it a highly nutritious food. The cow milk benefits and disadvantages are well-recognised by ancient medical systems such as Ayurveda as well as modern Science. It supports bone and muscle health, provides energy, and improves mental wellness. As a side effect, it can cause digestive issues, allergies, and inflammation. Therefore, consume it in accordance with your body requirements and tolerance.
