In the quest for healthier alternatives to traditional dairy, one ancient superfood from the Himalayas is capturing attention across India. Yak milk, long cherished by mountain communities, is emerging as a nutrient-dense powerhouse that could be included in wellness routines, as it offers everything from stronger bones to a healthier heart. Yak milk is creamy, has a silky texture, and has a distinct flavour which makes it a regional delicacy. It is extracted from the female yak, often referred to as the 'dri', which thrives in the Tibetan plateau specifically.
As new alternative milks like almond, oat, and cashew milk are hitting the market, yak milk has come into the spotlight due to a rising interest in functional foods in India. There are a number of reasons people have become deeply vested in yak milk: the high protein and amino acid content, rich fatty acid quotient, and rich dose of vitamins and minerals are probably why. Let's find out how this nutrient-dense food benefits health and how to consume it safely.
5 Health Benefits Of Yak Milk
1. Boosts Immunity
Yak milk has come under the lens for its immune-boosting properties, as it contains a high dose of beta-carotene and antioxidants. This is not all; according to the National Library of Medicine study from 2023 that looked at the bioactive components in yak milk, it has various functional properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, blood pressure-lowering, anti-fatigue, and constipation-relieving effects. The modern lifestyle health challenges can use a helping hand from yak milk consumption, but its dose and suitability vary, as it is quite heavy for some people to digest effectively.
2. Supports Bone Health
Bone health has become compromised due to the lack of focus on dietary changes that could increase daily calcium intake. Another factor is the general lack of vitamin D, which is negatively impacting bone health. One such dietary change that could make a difference is yak milk, as it is rich in both calcium and vitamin D. According to the Journal of Dairy Science (2022), yak milk supplementation increased bone mineral density and improved bone health in mice with osteoporosis. There are only animal-based studies that have proved yak milk supports bone health; there is a need for human studies to effectively prove its health benefits in improving bone health.
3. Heart Health Benefits
As the prevalence of heart risk factors such as high cholesterol rises, it is crucial to implement dietary changes that can significantly enhance heart health. Yak milk could prove to be one such alternative, as it contains unique fatty acids such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps in reducing blood clotting. According to the International Dairy Journal (2023), which looked at the composition of yak milk, the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs, CLA, and peptides in yak milk contributes to heart health. But the research is limited and needs further clinical trials to prove its direct correlation.
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4. Gut Health Boost
A healthy gut is the cornerstone of overall well-being, so actively making great choices for your gut can ensure it functions properly. To regulate your gut, people can make the switch to fermented yak milk products such as cheese, butter, and probiotic health drinks, as they have plenty of good bacteria. To nourish the gut consistently, prolonged usage of yak milk could prove beneficial. But do consult a dietician or a nutritionist for guidance, as your body is habitually drinking and processing a certain kind of dairy only. As per the International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture (2023), yak milk plays an active role in supporting gut health through probiotics and prebiotic compounds.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The problem of systemic inflammation, which results from persistent acute inflammation in the body, can benefit from yak milk consumption. There are a number of studies that explain why yak milk could prove fruitful for addressing one of the silent killers that is a root cause of various chronic diseases. Yak milk was found to function as a strong anti-inflammatory and make the immune system function better by suppressing pro-inflammatory factors and lowering oxidative stress in cell models. This was documented in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024) and even points out that fermented yak milk products are ideal for people who seek to lower their body inflammation levels.
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Specific Role Of Yak Milk In Nutrition
Yak milk has certain properties that make it sought after in high-altitude places across the Indian subcontinent. Here is why:
- People who live in high-altitude places with sub-zero temperatures require a high-protein dose daily. So, they prefer drinking yak milk, especially in Himalayan communities, and female yak populations thrive in cold temperatures.
- Yak milk is a strong functional food for combating malnutrition, as many people suffer from nutrient deficiencies. The high nutrient-dense profile of this animal-source milk could supplement the lack of nutrients required for healthy functioning.
How To Consume Yak Milk
There are various alternatives to yak milk on the market that are available online and in stores. Such as:
- Yak cheese is prepared from boiling yak milk and storing it at a certain temperature in various forms.
- Yak milk butter tea, prepared from the butter from yak milk and added to black tea for a warming drink in cold temperatures.
- Specific probiotic drinks prepared from fermented yak milk are available as convenient options.
Note: The form of yak milk that is most suitable for you depends on your lifestyle, physical activity, and daily environment. Seek advice from a dietician or nutritionist for safe guidance to make the switch.
Side Effects Of Consuming Yak Milk
There are several health benefits of consuming yak milk, as it is a natural functional food, but it can pose certain side effects when it is consumed in excess, such as:
- Possible Allergic Reactions: as some people may be inherently allergic to yak milk and their products.
- Digestive Issues: due to the high nutrient density and heavy nature of the milk.
- Hormonal Effects: Due to its impact on the endocrine system functioning, it is best to introduce it gradually and see how your body reacts.
- Bacterial Contamination: Due to raw or unpasteurised yak milk consumption, as it can have E. coli or other bacteria, as it is extracted from an animal source.
- Weight Gain and Dental Issues: As yak milk is heavy on the digestive system, and if its nutrients are not absorbed by the body, it can lead to weight gain. Dental issues may be faced as yak milk tends to settle inside teeth, leading to cavities.
Yak milk is a sustainable, nutrient-dense food that can be consumed as advised by a medical professional. The recent trend of integrating traditional foods like yak milk into modern diets should be done safely and in moderation.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
