To consume or not consume?
There has been a lot of debate about the benefits of cow’s milk in one’s diet today. Since time immemorial, milk has been a staple in Indian households and is a major part of our different cultures as well. If you want to know more about how cow’s milk is beneficial for your body, you have come to the right place!
There are eight types of milk mentioned in Ayurvedic practices. Among those, cow’s milk is considered to be the most beneficial. Here are some of those benefits:
- It has a naturally sweet taste
- It has a cooling effect on your body and is advisable to drink cow’s milk if you have a naturally heat-producing body
- It nourishes all the seven types of tissues in your body
- It is an excellent immunity booster for children; both adolescents and teenagers
- It is a great aphrodisiac for adults
- It is a mild laxative
- It helps you balance your doshas; it increases the Kapha Dosha and decreases the Vitta and Pitta Doshas
The best way to consume cow’s milk is to boil it completely before consumption. Warm milk is always digested better when compared to cold milk. First, simmer the milk on a medium flame until the milk starts to froth. Then, reduce the heat and bring it to a boil for five to ten minutes, after which it is ready to drink! You can have it as is or make some additions like ground turmeric, dry ginger powder or cinnamon sticks. Adding any of these ingredients reduces the heaviness and mucus-developing agents of the beverage. Keep in mind to never consume milk with incompatible items that are salty, astringent or pungent in taste; it may cause a buildup of toxins in your body.
While the benefits of cow’s milk outweigh its negative effects, avoid drinking it when you have:
- Heightened temperature
- Sinus congestion
- Cold
- Cough
- Digestive disorders like IBS, diarrhoea or intestinal worms
Some experts even believe and advocate against the consumption of cow’s milk for several reasons including but not limited to:
- Animal rights and welfare
- Environmental reasons
- Forceful impregnation of cows
- Use of heavy steroids or hormones to increase milk production
- Unhygienic living conditions
That is why, when consuming cow’s milk for its benefits while also keeping sustainable and hygienic consumption habits, it is advisable to rely on whole, organic and/or homogenous brands.