Milk has always been regarded to be the most healthful drink that is available and is loaded with calcium, which can help improve our immunity as well as bone health. But , in recent times the health benefits of milk is being challenged in a variety of ways. Some claim it contains fats, and that people should drink almond milk or skimmed milk instead. Some claim it’s highly processed and is best avoided. Let’s look at what Ayurveda is saying regarding milk.
Cured Care reached out to Dr . Chaitali Deshmukh who is an Ayurvedic Consultant who holds an M.D. in Ayurveda and wanted to know more about milk from the point of view of the ancient medical system. According to her, milk is highly esteemed in Ayurveda for its edifying and tonifying effects as well as its ability to strengthen Ojas (our vital immunity).
It is important to be aware of the historical context of Ayurveda’s roots when talking about dairy and milk products. Before the advent of synthetic hormones agricultural farms and food manufacturing facilities or agribusinesses the natural healing method originated in ancient India.
The benefits of milk and the impact on doshas
There are certain factors to be considered to determine if dairy is beneficial to us. Dairy is one type of food that is made of mammal milk. Ayurvedic Nutrition analyzes the characteristics (Gunas) of every food, including the balance of the six flavours, its energy influence on the doshas and the sensation of warmth or cold. The more fresh the milk is the better Prana (life strength) it is able to provide us.
The more fresh the milk more nutritious it is for stimulating you!
Here’s an Ayurvedic view on some of the most popular milks consumed:
1. Cow Milk
Milk from cows is thick, cold and laxative. It also produces mucus. It has a sweet taste (Rasa) and has an calming effect in the digestive system (Virya) and also it can be sweetened with time (Vipaka). When heated and appropriately spiced, cow’s milk is appreciated in Ayurveda for its ability to calm Vata and Pitta. The milk’s coldness could increase Kapha’s natural cool nature,” says Dr Deshmukh.
2. Goat Milk
Ayurveda states it is Rasa, Virya, and Vipaka for goat’s milk are cool, sweet and spicy. The milk is nutritious and energetic like dairy products from cows but it’s usually thinner and less mucus-forming. Its Ayurvedic advisor says it’s tridoshic (balanced to balance all the three Doshas) and that it is ideal in the case of Kapha and should be consumed in moderate amounts. Because the goat’s milk is mildly astringent and can cause irritation to certain people’s Vata.
Some persons better than the cow’s milk.
3. Sheep Milk
According to Ayurvedic texts, it is believed that, compared to goat or cow’s milk that sheep’s milk is much more hot in the natural. But, it can also cause irritation to Pitta along with Kapha and helps to calm Vata.
4. Buffalo Milk
The sages advocated buffalo’s milk due to its properties to sedate. It is warmer and heavier than cow’s milk, which helps to settle Pitta and Vata while simultaneously enhancing Kapha. It slows the speed of eliminating,” says Dr Deshmukh. It slows the speed of eliminating,” says Dr Deshmukh.
From an Ayurvedic standpoint you should drink milk. It is just a matter of choosing the one that suits your needs the best.
