Cow Milk Vs Buffalo Milk: Which Is Richer In Protein And Calcium?

Milk health benefits: Milk is a staple part of people's diets in India. Here, cow milk and buffalo milk are two most commonly consumed varieties of milk. In this article, we are going to explore whether cow milk is better than buffalo milk or if it is the opposite of that. But before that, know that a dairy product like milk can provide you with a number of health benefits. This hydrating drink is an excellent source of calcium. It is also a good vegetarian source of protein. Daily intake of milk can provide you with Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, riboflavin, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and healthy fat. Drinking milk regularly can be beneficial for your bone health.

Cow milk vs buffalo milk: Which one is better?

Some of you may have tried both cow milk and buffalo milk. They both taste nearly the same. However, there's a slight difference between the composition of the two varieties of milk. Cow milk is considered to be lighter as it has lesser as it has lesser fat content than buffalo milk.

Also read: Switching To Nut Milk? Here's What You Need To Keep In Mind

One cup (240 ml) of whole cow's milk with 3.25% fat provides:

• Calories: 149
• Water: 88%
• Protein: 7.7 gms
• Carbs: 11.7 gms
• Lactose: 11 gms
• Fat: 8 gms
• Calcium: 21% of the daily value

Buffalo milk, according to healthline.com, has comparatively more nutrients and even calories per serving. Following is the nutrition profile of cup (240 ml) of buffalo milk:

• Calories: 237
• Water: 83%
• Protein: 9 gms
• Carbs: 12 gms
• Lactose: 13 gms
• Fat: 17 gms
• Calcium: 32% of the daily value

"Cow milk contains less fat when compared to buffalo milk. Because of high-fat content in buffalo milk, it is thicker when compared to cow milk which is high in water content (approx. 90%) making it of a thinner consistency and more hydrating," nutritionist Nmami Agarwal tells DoctorNDTV.

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"Buffalo milk has 7 grams of fat per 100 ml while cow milk contains 4 grams of fat per 100 ml. Due to high peroxidase enzymes, buffalo milk can be preserved naturally for a longer period. When it comes to the amount of protein and calcium, buffalo milk ranks slightly higher but it also has more calories when compared to cow milk," she adds.

100 ml of buffalo milk provides 100 calories, while the same amount of cow milk provides 68-70 calories. "Cow milk is also rich in sulphur- an essential mineral to boost brain activity. The slight yellowish tinge of cow milk is due to the presence of beta carotene (precursor of Vitamin A) which is not present in buffalo milk," she explains.

If you are watching your calorie intake or are on a weight-loss diet, then cow milk is a better choice. Cow milk is also excellent for infants as it is easily digestible when compared to buffalo milk. The rich consistency of buffalo milk makes it a better choice for preparing paneer, kheer, or khoya.

"But, the thing to note is that milk composition has a dynamic nature, and the composition can vary with the stage of lactation, age, breed, nutrition, and health status of the cow/buffalo," Agarwal asserts.

As far as you are not lactose intolerant, consuming milk is a safe choice. Chose the type that you believe suits your body the best. Also, try to get access to milk from a nearby local dairy.

Also read: These Are The Best Dairy-Free Sources Of Calcium For Your Lactose Intolerant Child

(Nmami Agarwal is nutritionist at Nmami Life)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.