A critical analysis on role of milk in lifestyle diseases
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A critical analysis on role of milk in lifestyle diseases
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Nishant kaushik
*1P.G. Scholar, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, DGM Ayurvedic Medical College, Gadag, Karnataka, India.
Poonam Bhojak
*1P.G. Scholar, 3Asst. Professor, 4HOD, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, DGM Ayurvedic Medical College, Gadag, Karnataka, India.
Yasmeen Phaniband
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, DGM Ayurvedic Medical College, Gadag, Karnataka, India.
C.S. Hiremath
HOD, Dept. of Kayachikitsa, DGM Ayurvedic Medical College, Gadag, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A critical analysis on role of milk in lifestyle diseases
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The article discusses the critical role milk, referred to as Ksheera in Ayurveda, plays in preventing and managing lifestyle diseases. Ayurveda, a holistic health science, offers dietary management and lifestyle advice that emphasizes treating the whole person. Given the rising incidence of lifestyle disorders like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), understanding the nutritional and therapeutic potential of milk becomes increasingly important. The article aims to analyze the multifaceted role of milk in the context of lifestyle diseases by integrating classical Ayurvedic principles with modern scientific studies.
2) Milk and Cardiovascular Diseases
An important concept highlighted in the article is the relationship between milk consumption and cardiovascular health. Ayurvedic texts advocate for the use of specific milk formulations, such as Arjuna Ksheerapaka, to treat different types of heart conditions. While traditional views acknowledge that whole milk is high in saturated fats, contemporary research suggests that certain fatty acids in milk, particularly stearic acid, can lower total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the presence of essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium in milk can support heart health. Scientific studies have indicated that higher milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart disease, underscoring the potential protective effects of milk against cardiovascular diseases.
3) Milk's Impact on Diabetes
Another key concept discussed is the role of milk in managing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Although Ayurveda identifies milk as a factor that can enhance Kapha dosha—linked to the pathogenesis of diabetes—the article also emphasizes how certain Ayurvedic formulations using milk can be beneficial. Scientific evidence suggests that calcium from dairy products is correlated with lower insulin resistance and a decrease in obesity prevalence. Additionally, milk's low glycemic index and the presence of trans-palmitoleic acid have been linked to improved insulin sensitivity, highlighting milk’s potential role in diabetes management. This dual perspective illustrates the complexity of milk's effects on health and disease.
4) Conclusion
In conclusion, milk emerges as a multifaceted food with medicinal properties, effective in managing various lifestyle diseases such as obesity, kidney disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Its classification in Ayurvedic texts as a nourishing and purifying agent is supported by modern research findings that establish its nutritional value. The integration of traditional wisdom and contemporary science reveals that milk serves not only as a dietary staple but also as a therapeutic agent. Hence, adopting a balanced approach to milk consumption can contribute to better health and preventive care, prompting further exploration into its benefits in Ayurvedic and modern nutritional contexts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What role does milk play in preventing lifestyle diseases?
Milk is considered a potent medicinal food in Ayurveda, contributing to the prevention and management of lifestyle diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes by providing essential nutrients and promoting overall health.
How is milk beneficial for cardiovascular health?
Milk contains bioactive peptides and nutrients like calcium and potassium, which help regulate blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by enhancing heart function and overall wellness.
Why is milk considered important in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, milk is classified as 'Sattvic' food, promoting clarity, vitality, and longevity due to its unique nutrition and ability to balance bodily doshas while addressing various health conditions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A critical analysis on role of milk in lifestyle diseases”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Milk:
Milk is a significant dietary supplement highly valued in Ayurveda for its unique nutrition. It serves as a tonic or purifier and is used in various formulations to cure diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
2) Disease:
Lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments are discussed within the context of Ayurveda. Milk's role in managing these diseases is emphasized through various Ayurvedic formulations.
3) Vata:
Vata is one of the tridoshas in Ayurveda. Milk helps pacify Vata when taken properly, and un-boiled milk can relieve Vatavikara (diseases caused by Vata).
4) Blood:
Milk impacts blood through its nutritional values, such as reducing LDL cholesterol levels, and is used to mitigate bleeding diseases.
5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient life science focusing on the holistic treatment of ailments. Milk is considered a valuable dietary component for managing lifestyle diseases in Ayurveda.
6) Food:
Milk is classified as a sattvic food in Ayurveda, promoting even temperament and sustaining life. It is often consumed alone or in formulations.
7) Pitta:
Pitta is another tridosha in Ayurveda. Milk is known to pacify Pitta, and formulations mixing milk with specific herbs can treat Pittaja disorders.
8) Animal:
Different animals produce milk with specific properties beneficial for various health conditions. For instance, cow's milk is considered nourishing, while goat's milk is easily digestible.
9) Fire:
Milk, especially when un-boiled, is said to maintain digestive fire (Agni) in Ayurveda. It is also referenced in the context of digestive fire enhancement.
10) Diet:
A balanced diet, including the proper use of milk, is crucial for preventing lifestyle diseases according to Ayurveda. Milk forms a significant part of dietary regimens.
11) Medicine:
Milk itself is considered a medicine in Ayurveda. It becomes a tonic or purifier when combined with other herbs and treatments for various ailments.
12) Kapha:
Kapha is the third dosha in Ayurveda. Milk can pacify Kapha when taken correctly and may aggravate Kapha if misused. It balances Kapha in formulations.
13) Sugar:
Adding sugar or jaggery to milk can enhance certain properties such as relieving mutrakrchra (dysuria) and supporting shukra (semen) generation.
14) Sour:
Sour milk is considered unwholesome and harmful in Ayurvedic texts. Over-fermented milk is detrimental to health.
15) Hridroga (Hrdroga, Hrid-roga):
Ayurvedic treatments for Hridroga (cardiac diseases) often include milk formulations, balancing physical and psychological aspects of heart health.
16) Buffalo (Buffaloes):
Buffalo milk is heavier and more unctuous than cow's milk, beneficial for those with strong digestion and sleep issues but harder to digest.
17) Mineral:
Milk contains essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, crucial for managing diseases and promoting overall health.
18) Fever:
In Ayurveda, milk is contraindicated for acute fever conditions such as navajvara (acute fever).
19) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana therapies in Ayurveda include milk for its rejuvenating properties. It's considered the best among vitalizers and rejuvenatives.
20) Caraka:
Acharya Caraka is a key figure in Ayurveda whose works describe the properties and therapeutic uses of milk, emphasizing its health benefits.
21) Nature:
The nature of milk is described as sweet, nourishing, and cooling, making it suitable for dietary inclusion to maintain overall bodily balance.
22) Rakta:
Milk helps mitigate disorders related to Rakta (blood), such as raktapitta (bleeding diseases).
23) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Formulations like Gokshuradighrta and Yashtyadi Ghrta include milk as a key ingredient for treating various ailments.
24) Salt (Salty):
Camel milk contains secondary saline taste properties beneficial for treating specific health conditions according to Ayurveda.
25) Prajnaparadha (Prajna-paradha):
This term refers to an intellectual error or blasphemy, causing lifestyle disorders due to inappropriate actions such as the suppression of natural urges.
26) Mutrakrichra (Mutrakrchra, Mutra-krichra):
Dysuria or painful urination is treated with milk-based formulations like Bala + Hingu + Ksheera, according to Ayurvedic texts.
27) Science (Scientific):
Scientific studies support the Ayurvedic benefits of milk, linking it to lower risks of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
28) Karnataka:
The authors of this study are affiliated with DGM Ayurvedic Medical College in Gadag, Karnataka, India.
29) Prameha:
Milk is both a dietary factor in the etiology of Prameha (diabetes) and a therapeutic agent when used in specific formulations to treat the condition.
30) Edema (Oedema):
Conditions like oedema, characterized by swelling, can be managed with milk consumption and formulations specific to each individual's needs.
31) Kalka:
Herbal pastes (Kalka) such as Yashtikalka mixed with milk are used in Ayurvedic treatments for various illnesses.
32) India:
This study originates from India, specifically Karnataka, highlighting Ayurvedic practices for using milk in treating lifestyle diseases.
33) Worm:
Camel milk has properties beneficial in treating parasitic worm infestations, among other health conditions.
34) Human body:
Milk provides comprehensive nutrition beneficial to the human body, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for health.
35) Goat milk:
Goat milk is easily digestible and beneficial for treating conditions like dyspnea and bleeding diseases, often recommended for those with weak digestion.
36) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
Cow milk is highly valued in Ayurveda for its strengthening, immune-modulating, and rejuvenative properties, suitable for many health conditions.
37) Mutraghata (Mutra-aghata):
Urine retention (Mutraghata) is treated with milk-based therapies like Gokshuradighrta, according to Ayurvedic recommendations.
38) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta, or bleeding disorders, can be managed with various milk formulations, emphasizing its role in treatment according to Ayurveda.
39) Yashtyadi (Yastyadi):
Milk is a component in formulations like Yashtyadi Ghrta for treating cardiovascular and other diseases, showcasing its therapeutic relevance.
40) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu texts like Dhanvantari Nighantu detail the specific properties and uses of various forms of milk in Ayurveda.
41) Elephant:
Hasthini Ksheera (Elephant milk) is mentioned for its specific benefits such as strength augmentation and being hard to digest.
42) Hastini:
Hasthini Ksheera, or she-elephant milk, is known for its strengthening effects and heavy nature, making it beneficial for specific conditions.
43) Mahisha (Mahisa):
Mahisha Ksheera (buffalo milk) is used for its unctuous, and sleep-inducing properties, heavily referenced for those with strong digestive fire.
44) Anupana:
Milk serves as an Anupana (vehicle) for taking other medicinal herbs and formulations in Ayurveda, aiding in their efficacy.
45) Leprosy:
Camel milk is used for treating various ailments including leprosy, owing to its specific properties such as slight saltiness and high digestibility.
46) Arjuna:
Arjunaksheerapaka, a formulation involving Arjuna bark and milk, is recommended for cardiovascular health, showcasing milk's medicinal use.
47) Pathya:
Milk is considered Pathya (suitable) in the treatment of certain conditions like Mutrashmari (renal calculi) in Ayurveda.
48) Shukra (Sukra):
Milk enhances Shukra (semen) when taken with additives like sugar candy or in specific formulations aimed at supporting reproductive health.
49) Balya:
Balya (strength-promoting) formulations often include milk to boost physical strength and manage ailments like dyspnea and dizziness.
50) Camel:
Ustrasksheera (camel milk) has various medicinal properties, including benefits for Vata and Kapha diseases, digestive improvements, and treating leprosy.
51) Agni:
Milk impacts Agni (digestive fire) in Ayurveda. Boiled milk enhances Agni, while certain attributes of milk help regulate digestion.
52) Bala:
Herbs like Bala are combined with milk in Ayurvedic formulations to support various treatments, including cardiovascular and urinary ailments.
53) Guda:
Adding Guda (jaggery) to milk generates therapeutic effects, alleviating conditions like Mutrakrchra (dysuria).
54) Burning sensation:
(Daha): Conditions like burning sensations are alleviated using specific milk formulations in Ayurvedic practices.
55) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
Dhanvantari Nighantu is an Ayurvedic text detailing the medicinal properties of various substances, including different types of milk.
56) Vatapittahara (Vatapitta-hara):
Milk in Ayurveda is described as Vatapittahara, meaning it pacifies the Vata and Pitta doshas due to its sweet and cooling nature.
57) Candraprabha (Candra-prabha):
Candraprabha Vati, an Ayurvedic formulation taken with milk, is used to treat diabetes and urinary conditions.
58) Purification:
Milk is used in purification processes in Ayurveda, often serving as the base in Rasayana (rejuvenative) therapies.
59) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari, mentioned in the study, refers to the Ayurvedic deity associated with health and the medicinal virtues of various substances, including milk.
60) Madanaphala:
Madanaphala Nighantu provides insights into the properties and uses of milk from various animals within Ayurvedic practices.
61) Rasashastra (Rasa-shastra, Rasasastra):
Rasashastra, or the science of alchemy in Ayurveda, includes milk as a component in many formulations intended for both therapeutic and rejuvenative purposes.
62) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yashtimadhu is an Ayurvedic herb combined with milk for treating cardiovascular conditions and boosting overall health.
63) Shatavaryadi (Satavaryadi):
Satavaryadi Ghrta, containing milk, is prescribed for dysuria and other urinary ailments in Ayurvedic treatments.
64) Yashtikalka (Yastikalka, Yashti-kalka):
A paste made with Yashtimadhu (Yashtikalka) and milk is used in Ayurveda for treating diseases like cardiovascular disorders.
65) Shleshmala (Slesmala):
Milk is described as Shleshmala in Ayurveda, inferring its mucilaginous properties which can be both nourishing and managing Kapha dosha.
66) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
In Ayurveda, milk's sweet and cooling properties make it effective in pacifying both Vata-pitta disorders.
67) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Milk needs to be balanced properly when consumed as it can enhance Kapha dosha if taken improperly, yet it also helps balance it.
68) Perception:
Milk, considered a Sattvic food, promotes clarity of perception and sound judgment in Ayurvedic texts.
69) Discussion:
In the discussion of the study, the benefits and molecular relations of milk to Ayurvedic practices and modern scientific understandings are explored.
70) Shatavari (Satavari):
Shatavari is often mixed with milk in Ayurvedic formulations to treat conditions like renal calculi and other ailments effectively.
71) Dharoshna (Dharosna, Dhara-ushna):
Dharoshna, or milk directly from the breast, is described in Ayurveda as beneficial for conditions like anemia and jaundice.
72) Sadvritta (Sadvrtta, Sat-vritta):
The ideal routines or Sadvritta in Ayurveda emphasize proper daily dietary habits, including the regular intake of milk.
73) Navajvara (Nava-jvara):
Conditions like Navajvara (acute fever) are noted as contraindications for milk consumption in Ayurveda.
74) Krimiroga (Krmiroga, Krimi-roga):
Krimiroga (parasitic infections) is another condition where milk is contraindicated during active infestation in Ayurveda.
75) Godhavati (Godha-vati):
Formulations like Godhavati with milk are used in treating urine retention (Mutraghata) in Ayurvedic medicine.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 108]