Cow milk is a staple in the diets of millions of people worldwide. The question of Why cow’s milk is yellow piques the interest of many people.
What makes cow milk yellow is the presence of a pigment called beta-carotene, a type of carotenoid found naturally in many fruits and vegetables.
This pigment is absent from buffalo milk, which explains why it isn’t as yellow as cow milk. Other plants, such as carrots, also have the same hue. Dairies use the same process to produce this color.
Carotenoids, along with other natural coloring pigments like annatto, contribute to the yellow hue. People tend to favor table butter for its color and taste.
Let’s examine this in more detail:
The Function of Diet:
The cows’ diet plays a key role in the yellow hue of cow milk. The color of milk is influenced by certain carotenoids, naturally occurring plant substances. These carotenoids produce vivid red, orange, and yellow colors in various forms.
Cows fed a diet rich in carotenoid-rich vegetables may produce milk that contains these pigments. Plants like clover, lucerne, and certain grasses contain carotenoids that can be transported to the milk glands of cows. As a result, the milk may take on a light yellow or even orange tint.
Desi cows, which are grass-fed with organic fodder, often produce milk that is yellow in color. On the other hand, cows that are grain-fed and not provided organic feed typically produce milk that is lighter yellow compared to that of grass-fed cows.
The Role of Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a type of plant pigment called a carotenoid. Carotenoids are responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors in many fruits and vegetables.
They are important for photosynthesis and help plants stay healthy. Beta-carotene is known for its bright yellow-orange color and is commonly found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins.
When cows eat food that contains beta-carotene, like fresh grass, hay, or alfalfa, the pigment enters their stomach. The cow absorbs it into their bloodstream, and it travels to the udder, where it is released into the milk.
This is why fresh cow milk often has a yellowish tint, especially in the summer when cows eat fresh, green grass full of carotenoids. Cows that eat more grass tend to produce milk with higher levels of beta-carotene, while grain-fed cows have lower levels, resulting in lighter-colored milk.
Health benefits of beta-carotene present in Cow milk
High levels of beta-carotene are present in Cow milk and its products, which offers many health benefits for the people. After consuming cow milk, our body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is beneficial for overall well-being.
- Promotes Healthy Skin: Beta-carotene helps maintain healthy, glowing skin by protecting it from damage and ageing.
- Supports Good Vision: The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, essential for maintaining good vision, especially in low light.
- Boosts Immune System: Vitamin A strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight infections.
- Reduces Disease Risk: Consuming beta-carotene-rich milk may help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Better Milk from Grass-Fed Cows: Cows that eat more grass produce milk with higher beta-carotene levels, which are beneficial for health.
Conclusion:
The yellow hue of cow milk is a fascinating natural phenomenon that’s due to the diet of the cows and the presence of carotenoids, like beta-carotene. The milk has a subtle yellow hue because cows consume feed high in carotenoid-containing plants. The intricate connections between diet, nutrients, and the foods we consume can be appreciated by understanding the science behind this color variation. So, the next time you sip your milk, take a moment to appreciate the intricate and varied journey that led to that mellow yellow hue on your plate.
GhoMoo is a rising milk brand dedicated to providing wholesome nourishment to families. They achieve this by delivering pure and fresh cow milk in Chennai
