(Wellness Montana) When I think of goats and the glorious milk they produce I have an almost uncontainable cheer of “hooray for goats!” burst out of me. The benefits of goat milk are as diverse and far reaching as the many different types of goats who produce it. While there is no way to contain in one article all of the glories, I have included below some of my favorite goat milk information.
Around the world, more people drink goat milk than any other type of milk produced. Some of the reasons for this include the basic truth that goat milk is just easier to digest. Goat milk contains smaller, more digestible fat and protein molecules than cows milk, which makes goat milk more beneficial to babies (human and animal) and those with other health issues. According to the Journal of American Medicine, “Goat’s milk is the most complete food known.” It contains vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, trace elements, enzymes, protein, and fatty acids that are utilized by your body with ease. In fact, your body can digest goat’s milk in just 20 minutes. It takes 2-3 hours to digest cow’s milk.
Goat milk is also naturally homogenized. This means that the fat molecules are smaller and do not separate from the milk as it does in cow milk. This can make the production of butter and cream a more challenging process, but it is of great benefit to the health qualities of the milk itself. It appears as though when milk is mechanically homogenized (this means the fat globules are broken apart by mechanical means) it releases a cow milk enzyme known as xanthine oxidase. When this enzyme is released it can then penetrate the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. This has been shown to negatively impact the heart, arteries and the production of cholesterol.
Goat milk is delicious for drinking, cooking and baking. It is used to make cheese, butter, ice cream, yogurt, candy, soap and other body products. Goat milk is whiter than whole cow milk, which means butter and cheese made from goat milk are also white. Due to its small fat globules and soft small curd, products made with goat milk are smooth and cream-like.
Here is a list of some of my other favorite goat milk particulars:
- Goat’s milk does not suppress the immune system the way other milk products can. It does not product mucus, because it does not stimulate a defense response from the human immune system.
- Goat’s milk has more buffering capacity than over the counter antacids. (The USDA and Prairie View A&M University in Texas have confirmed that goat’s milk has more acid-buffering capacity than nonprescription antacid drugs, cow’s milk and soy infant formula.)
- Goat’s milk alkalinizes the digestive system. It actually contains an alkaline ash, and it does not produce acid in the intestinal system.
- Goat’s milk helps to increase the pH of the blood stream because it is the dairy product highest in the amino acid L-glutamine. L-glutamine is an alkalinizing amino acid, often recommended by nutritionists.
- Goat’s milk is a rich source of the trace mineral selenium, a necessary nutrient, valued for its immune modulation and antioxidant properties.
- Goat’s milk also contains 7% less lactose than cow milk. Easier digestion allows the lactose to pass through the intestines more rapidly, not giving it time to ferment or cause an osmotic imbalance.
- Additionally, many lactose intolerant people have found that they can tolerate goat’s milk and goat milk products.
The information above and other interesting tidbits can be found at:
www.ADGA.org
www.DairyforAll.com
Question: Will knowing about the amazing properties of goat milk change your milk consumption habits? Why or why not?
(Lindsey Gale lives in Bozeman with her wonderful husband and two amazing children [who drink hand milked goat milk on a daily basis]. She has the joy of working as a mental health therapist for children, and is passionate about the connection between spiritual, emotional and physical health. She praises God for the amazing opportunity to live on the land, surrounded by goats, horses, chickens and all sorts of green growing things.)
