What are the benefits of buffalo milk?
Buffalo milk is richer than cow's milk: per cup of whole milk it has about 237 calories, 17 g fat, 9 g protein and 32% of the daily value for calcium, against 149 calories, 8 g fat, 8 g protein and 21% for cow's milk. It suits cheese, ghee and desserts, but it is higher in fat, calories and lactose. Claimed health benefits are mostly preliminary.
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What are the benefits of buffalo milk?
Buffalo milk is a richer dairy milk. According to Healthline’s comparison for one cup of whole milk:
| Per cup | Buffalo | Cow |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 237 | 149 |
| Fat | 17 g | 8 g |
| Protein | 9 g | 8 g |
| Lactose | 13 g | 11 g |
| Calcium | 32% DV | 21% DV |
| Magnesium | 19% DV | 6% DV |
So the main benefit is nutrient density: more calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and slightly more protein per cup. Values vary by breed, feed and season, and some tables per 100 g show smaller gaps.
Is buffalo milk good for bones and the heart?
Calcium supports bone health, and buffalo milk has more of it per cup. Some research on casein-derived peptides and blood pressure was done in rats or test tubes, so human benefits are not confirmed. Do not treat buffalo milk as a treatment for any condition.
What are the drawbacks?
- More calories and fat: it may not suit people limiting fat or calories.
- More lactose: people with lactose intolerance may find it harder to digest than they expect. The old claim that it is better for lactose intolerance is not supported by the table above.
- Allergy: a small study found people with cow’s milk allergy reacted to buffalo milk too. Ask a clinician before trying it.
What is it used for?
Its high fat makes it well suited to butter, ghee, paneer, cheese (mozzarella di bufala is made from it) and ice cream. In India and parts of South Asia it is a common household milk.
How should you drink it?
Buy pasteurized milk, or boil raw milk before drinking. Choose it for taste and richness, not as a health cure. If you are managing weight, cholesterol or a medical condition, ask a health professional first.
People also ask
Is buffalo milk healthier than cow milk?
It has more protein, calcium and minerals per cup, but also more fat, calories and lactose, so it is richer rather than simply healthier.
Is buffalo milk good for lactose intolerance?
No evidence supports that. It contains more lactose per cup than cow's milk in the table we read.
What is buffalo milk used for?
Because of its high fat it is used for ghee, butter, paneer, mozzarella and ice cream, as well as drinking.
Sources
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