From Desi Cow to Market: Has Your Milk Lost It’s Purity?

Most of the people assume that milk is healthy, but the truth lies in how it’s made and what processing it goes through. Go to market and you will find various types of milk available like A1 milk, A2 milk, Full cream milk, Homogenised milk, desi cow milk etc.

In this blog post, we’ll decode all these deference milk, revel what’s inside, explore the goodness and help to choose the safest and healthiest options for your family.

Ingredients matter

As a common man, we have no alternative way to verify which product is harmful and which is not. Only the ingredient list can help us in this regard. There is no other way.

So, before buying anything, be sure to check the ingredients list.

Section 1

1. Homogenized milk

Mechanically processed milk. Milk is forced through high-pressure nozzles that break down large fat into smaller. This tiny fat particles stay suspended in liquid and give the milk a unique texture. This types milk cream never separates.

• Looks better (evenly mixed)
• Uniform & Smoother texture
• Enhanced taste
• increased self life (mechanically processed
• May effects some people

Health concerns (still debated)

It can cause to heart diseases or inflammation. The tiny fat particles in milk become so small that body can not digest them. So it convert into xanthine oxidase, which deposits itself around the arterial wall of the heart, causing heart issue.

References:

• USDA National Agriculture Library.Dairy Processing – Homogenization.   
• Enig,MD. (2003). Milk Homogenization & heart Diseases. Wise Traditions on Food, farming and Healing arts, Weston. Price Foundation, Summer Quarter.
• Goff, H. D. (2003). Dairy Science and Technology Education Series – Homogenization
• University of Guelph: Dairy science info

Final word – no need, because better options available in market

Section 2

1. Mixed Milk packet

This types of milk is very common and popular in the Indian market. Mixed milk is commercially available blend of cow and buffalo milk in varying proportions. It’s commonly found in various forms like full cream, toned, slim milk that is depends on fat percentage. As per FSSAI regulations – these types of milk created mainly to standardize fat and SNF (solid-not-fat) content.

According to the official FSSAI statement on the report, a mere 12 of 6,432 total milk samples (both raw and processed) were ‘adulterated that render such milk unsafe for human consumption based on samples containing hydrogen peroxide, detergents, urea and neutralisers.

FSSAI says, only 10% of milk in India is unsafe for human consumption.

Really good for health?

Two types of milk protein are available in this types of mixed milk packet, A1 & A2 milk protein.

A1 & A2 Protein

Milk contains casein protein and beta-casein (80%) one of the main types. A1 & A2 are two genetic variants of Beta-casein protein found in milk. Just one amino acid make differ but this small difference can affect digestion and health.

A1 Milk protein

Found in most of the western/Foreign breeds like Holstein (American), Jersey (British). The main problem with A1 protein is that, produced BCM-7 (beta-casomorphin-7) as a digestion byproduct. BCM-7 may be linked to type 1 diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, autism (under research).

Most mixed packet milk available in market contains these A1 milk protein. So, it’s better to avoid it.

A2 Milk protein

Found in Indian (desi) breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparker, Kankrej. Dose not produced BCM-7.

• Cerebrosides present in A2 milk, increase brain power
• High level Omega 3 helpful to cleans the cholesterol deposits of blood vessels.
• Enhances the body immunity and protect from harmful radiations.  

So, try to buy milk packet that contain A2 milk protein from market.

It is very unfortunate that there are so many foreign cows in various cowsheds and industries in India. And the main reason for this is that foreign cows give significantly more milk than domestic cows.

Reference:

• EFSA. (2009). Review of A1/A2 milk and health.
• Pal, s. et al. (2015). Beta-casein types and milk digestion. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr
• Food Safety and standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – Milk labelling standards

Section 3

A2 Desi cow milk packet

This is a commercial packaged product – milk that comes from genetically tested desi cows (e.g., Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparker, Kankrej), produce only A2 beta-casein, which is consider easier to digest.

• Easier to digest
• Vitamin A (as beta carotene) – good for skin, vision and immunity
• Calcium & phosphorus – good for bone health
• Vitamin B12 & Riboflavin – support to energy and nervous system.
• Highly content Beta carotene and there for look like yellowish colour
• Contains healthy saturated fats and phospholipids that is helpful for brain development.
• Contains immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and good quality whey protein that is helpful to boost immunity.
• Desi cow milk lighter than buffalo milk, support digestive health and metabolism.
• Contain omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid (CLA) and good cholesterol, good for health.

The above benefits apply only for genuinely milk from desi cows (fresh and free from adulterants or preservatives).

Note:

A2 Desi cow milk packet and A2 milk protein are related , but not exactly the same thing. A2 desi cow milk packet available in the market contains A2 protein but not all milk labelled “A2” is truly from desi cows.

• A2 protein can come from desi cows, buffaloes and selectively bred foreign cows.
• But A2 desi cow milk come only from indigenous breeds (e.g., Gir).

Section 4

1. Pure buffalo Milk

Buffalo milk is nutrient rich and contains naturally A2 beta-casein. Pure buffalo milk always better than A1 milk. Buffalo milk is high in fat and heavy on stomach (avoid people with high cholesterol and slow digestion).

• Rich in A2 protein
• High in calcium
• Boosts muscle mass (helps gain weight)
• Helpful for immune system
• Good for heart health (when consumed in moderation, due to high saturated fat content)

2. Goat Milk

Goat milk is nutrient rich and contains A2 beta-casein. Goat milk is obtained from domestic goats. It’s widely consumed in parts of India, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

• Rich in A2 protein
• Easier to digest
• Contains A2 beta casein mostly
• Skin friendly
• Rich in MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) good for heart and weight control
• Contains calcium, phosphorus and vit B, which helps for bone health.
• Very helpful for cough, TB, Dengue, Fevers etc.

Section 5

Desi cow milk from local farms

The best option for eating milk. Ayurvedic scriptures have compared desi cow milk to human milk. Today science has proven that the molecular structure of desi cow milk is exactly similar as human milk’s. Desi cow  milk comes from indigenous Indian cow breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparker, Kankrej.

• Rich in vitamin A – Good for eye, skin and immune system
• Yellowish due to beta carotene
• Only A2 beta casein – better digestion and less bloating, gas and discomfort
• Desi cow milk contain immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and probiotics that’s support immune Boosting.
• Good for children and Elderly – easy digest and light on stomach.
• Natural and safe

How verify authentic desi cow milk?

• Look for farm visits, certifications or QR codes
• Ask for cow breed information
• Check taste, texture, cream layer and smell.
• Avoid brands that do not disclosed breed or source.

Note

Desi cow can produced around 10-12 litres daily, and 50% is more than enough for the calf. Rest can be used for human.

Read More: Real Vs Fake Paneer: The Hidden Truth In Your Plate

Helpful link: FSSAI DART (detect Adulteration with Rapid Test) booklet

Summary

1. Always preferred Pure desi cow milk from local farms
2. Buy A2 milk, available in Indian market
3. Try to avoid A1 milk also available in market
4. Also avoid Homogenised milk  (actually no need, better option available in market).