Milk is one of the rarest foods that a baby whether human or
animal feed on first, a human baby receives first food in forms of his mother’s
milk and so do the newborn of an animal. This in itself proves the importance
of milk for growth of a life. A mother’s milk is an unmatched nutrition for her
baby and it contains everything that an infant need to grow up healthy and
strong. It is vital for a human baby to have his mother’s milk until he
complete at least six months of his age as. Cow or buffalo’s milk is not
suitable for an infant or a baby of less than 4 months as the baby can’t digest
it and therefore it may prove harmful.
Milk from different sources has different characteristics and
usefulness, the characteristic of milk obtained from goat is different from the
characteristic of milk obtained from cow or buffalo. Similarly, a woman’s milk
is very different from that of the pet animals, the purpose of this article is
to distinguish the characteristic and health related benefits of milk from
various sources.
Human Breast Milk
It is a proven fact that nothing can match the capability and
benefits of a mother’s milk for her baby, as it not only provides him all the
essential nutrients but also prevents him from a variety of health problems
such as infections, fever, cold, eczema, mental problems, asthma and even
diabetes along with many others. Breast milk enhances the overall body
resistance of a kid so he can effectively counter various health threats moreover;
it ensures the uniform growth of a baby as well. Breast milk contains minerals,
protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, hormones and useful enzymes moreover
breast milk supplies white blood cells to the baby so he can counter various
types of health problems that may come in future. Human breast milk is not only
a precious gift of nature to babies but to adults also as it may prove as an
effective remedy for a variety of health problems such as cough, cold,
dermatitis, skin infections, oral infections, influenza, gas problems, wounds, biting
of insects and eye problems as well.
Cow Milk
Cow is another major source of milk in all over the world.
Cow milk contains Protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, useful
enzymes, amino acids and cholesterol. It is a well known fact that cow milk is
considered as the most beneficial after the human milk, in India where cow is a
sacred animal people uses its milk not only as a food but also for treating
various health problems as well. There is a brief description about the health
benefits of cow milk in ayurved and others ancient medicinal books. Cow milk is
sweet, soft and tasty in consuming and has calming effects on the mind and body
of a person; moreover, it improves the immune resistance of the body as
well. It is also good in improving the
concentration of mind and improving the eyesight of a person, in addition cow
milk also increases mental and physical strength as well. The most important
thing is that the cow should be a well fed and well maintained one regarding
health and hygiene.
Goat Milk
People all over the world use goat milk for various purposes,
some use it as drink, some for dairy products and some as medicine, there’s
still a debate going on among researchers between the superiority of cow milk
and goat milk. However, both has its own benefits and both are good for
different purposes, the best thing about goat milk over cow milk is that it is
much easier to digest as compared to cow milk. Similar to cow milk, goat milk
too contains proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, enzymes, cholesterol
and fats however the amount and percentage of the contents differs. One of the many advantages of goat milk is
that it is very low in fat and cholesterol and high in fatty acids. Goat milk
is easily digestible that even an older person or a baby above a year age could
digest. Goat milk is very useful in preventing bleeding, cold, flu, cough,
constipation and acne; moreover, goat milk smoothens, rejuvenates and
moisturizes the skin also.
Buffalo Milk
Buffalo milk is also a widely used item throughout the world;
it is somewhat similar to the cow milk however the protein and mineral contents
in buffalo milk exceeds that of cow milk. The rich mineral contents of buffalo
milk include Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc moreover,
the calorie content of buffalo milk is far more than cow milk as well. It
contains carbohydrates, fatty acids, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and
amino acids also however; the cholesterol found in buffalo’s milk is less than
that of a cow’s milk. The calcium richness of buffalo milk makes it perfect for
the health of our bones in addition; it prevents bone related problems such as
arthritis as well.
Camel Milk
Camel milk however is not widely consumed all over the world
but in places where camel is used as a pet animal, consumption of its milk is a
common practice. As compared to buffalo and cow’s milk, Camel milk has more
minerals and vitamins moreover; it contains some anti microorganism
capabilities that other form of milk lacks. According to various researches, camel milk is
found useful against diabetes, tuberculosis and colon cancer as well.
Sheep Milk
It is somewhat similar to goat milk
in taste however it is sweeter and smoother than goat milk. The lactose content
of sheep milk is fewer than cow and buffalo milk and therefore drinkable by allergic
persons as well. According to various studies sheep milk is found helpful in
lowering high blood pressure and building the body tissues as well.
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