The Holy Indian Cow
As per Indian holy scriptures, cows possess ten properties: swadu (sweet), sheeta (cold), mrudu (soft), snigdha (oily), bahala (dense), shlakshna (smooth), picchila (slime), guru (heavy), manda (slow) andprasanna (clear).
India has been bestowed with a rich range of cow breeds since time immemorial. From its dairy products to its waste products, they form an integral part of our daily routine.
Cow urine and cow dung have been associated with wonderful medicinal use cases in Ayurveda.
- The mud houses with cow dung plastering keep insects and reptiles away.
- Cow dung also absorbs harmful gases and radiations, cleansing the air
- Cow dung has the ability to purify poisons and metals.
The Current Scenario of Cattle in India
The native Indian cows have a nadi (vein) in the hump that absorbs energy from the sun and the moon. This energy is a source of numerous medicinal benefits in all cow products. Unfortunately, in recent times, our cows are suffering as they are forced unnaturally to produce maximum milk. They are kept in harsh conditions and are left on the streets neglected once they stop producing milk. In such a scenario, are we even getting nutritious milk, as, what the cow gives depends on what she eats?
Why did all this happen?
With the advent of the White Revolution in India, foreign cow breeds were brought to increase milk production. Most of these breeds have a high A1 protein content, while the native breeds only have A2 protein. Here, it is important to know the difference between A1 and A2 proteins.The A1 v/s A2 milk debate
- A1 cows: Cow breeds originating from Northern Europe are high in A1 protein content
- A2 cows: Native Indian cow breeds are high in A2 protein content
Various studies have suggested that A2 milk is relatively a far better choice than A1 milk.
Findings from some studies:
- During the digestion of A1 protein, beta-casein proteins with an amino acid which breaks down BCM-7 is released which is a form of a peptide. BCM- 7 is known to be a cause of diabetes, heart diseases, infant death, and autism.
- One study shows that A1 milk has led to inflammation in the digestive system; which can be further linked to lactose intolerance.
Some benefits of A2 milk:
- A2 milk has lower levels of lactose than A1 milk. Lactose intolerant people don't face gastrointestinal discomfort from A2 milk as in the case of A1
- It is a high-calcium food that aids in strengthening bones in children and adults.
- A2 milk has many nutrients like vitamin A, D, B12, phosphorus, potassium, and proteins.
- No growth hormones or medicines are injected to the cows to boost milk production.