It’s widely known that cow milk consumption in India is growing exponentially and increases fast-they estimate a massive 83 million metric tons will be consumed in 2021! The largest consumer of cow milk is India followed by the European Union which has consumed 23 million metric tons. The USA has also consumed 21 million metric tons. This report may seem astonishing but that’s because we Indians love cow milk. And with good reason, it wouldn’t leave us surprised. Cow milk is one of the most versatile substances and you can find it in pretty much every part of our lives. It has also become an inseparable part of our daily life, since the benefits that it provides for health has put it on top of the list.
What are the Health Benefits of Cow Milk
Cow milk is not just for the cow, it contains numerous complex nutritional ingredients that provide lots of energy, protein and other nutrients. A cup of cow milk will provide you with 149 kcals, 8 grams of protein and 8 grams of fat. It also has 12 grams of carbohydrates.
Besides the high nutritional composition, cow milk also contains essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy body.
These nutrients include calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins A and D. Protein and calcium contents in milk help in the overall growth and development of our bodies while they also serve to strengthen bones and teeth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Consuming cow milk can help to reduce the progression of osteoarthritis and prevent further degenerative health effects.
Let’s learn more about the high protein content in cow milk since we’ve talked about the other benefits.
Proteins in Cow Milk
Cow milk is divided into two main protein groups; casein and whey. Casein isn’t water soluble while whey is, so they have different effects on the body.
Casein Protein: The casein protein is the major type of protein found in cow milk. It takes a long time to digest, and is found in dairy products like cheese, yogurt and ice cream. It helps in improving the absorption of minerals like phosphorus and calcium in the body.
Whey Protein: The other 20% of cow milk protein is whey protein, a source of soluble protein and high nutritional value. It can help in muscle growth and improve the body’s antioxidant defense.
Can Cow Milk Cause Acne?
Whey protein, when consumed in large quantities, can lead to breakouts. Cow milk contributes to the elevation of postprandial insulin and basal insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) after digestion by your body. Elevated IGF-1 levels have been shown to increase sebum production, cause adrenal androgen synthesis and escalate the absorption of androgen in the body. The end result is a development of acne.
Recently, there has been a lot of concern over the use of bovine growth hormones in dairy cows and the effects that they might have on humans. There are numerous studies showing that this process is adding to our health crisis. Milk obtained from these cows contains high levels of a hormone known as IGF-1, which can lead to breakouts.
There is no need to completely cut cow milk from your diet. There are many health benefits associated with consuming these drinks and more importantly, the lack of minerals can actually have a negative effect on your health. The best way to keep consuming cow milk balanced is to follow the “consumption in moderation” method. Consuming cow milk excessively can elicit side effects, so it should not come as a surprise that it is imperative you limit your consumption.
