Benefits Of Goat Milk

Goat’s milk is a complete protein and contains the same bioactive elements that are found in mother’s milk, which protect health and serve to hinder the growth of harmful organisms in the body. It contains all the essential amino acids, sans the heavy fat content and the catarrh-producing substances of cow's milk. Goat’s milk can even be drunk raw, although pasteurization is recommended to reduce bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It is also processed to make cheese, butter, ice cream, cajeta and other milk products. Read on to know some benefits of consuming goat’s milk.

Health Benefits Of Drinking Goat Milk

Goat’s milk is a rich source of calcium tryptophan amino acid. Protein, phosphorus, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and potassium are also found in good quantities in the milk.
Due to it being high on calcium, goat’s milk helps prevent bone loss and migraine headaches, and also protects colon cells from cancer causing chemicals.
Riboflavin, present in good quantities in goat’s milk, plays a very important role in the production of energy in the body. One cup of goat's milk supplies 20.0% of the daily value of riboflavin to the body.
It has also been observed that those who cannot tolerate cow’s milk find the consumption of goat’s milk to cause no problem at all. Some studies suggest that the specific proteins that cause allergic reactions may be found in cow’s milk, but they are absent in goat’s milk.
Goat’s milk is also believed to enhance the metabolism of iron and copper, especially among those who experience problems with absorption of minerals in the digestive tract.
Researches by the USDA and Prairie View A&M University, Texas, have established that goat’s milk has a higher acid buffering capacity than cow's milk, soy infant formula, and nonprescription antacid drugs.
Goat’s milk is nutritious enough to be used as a replacement for cow's milk-based food formulas for those infants who have difficulty in digesting other diary products.
Goat's milk contains double the amount of healthful medium-chain fatty acids such as capric and caprylic acids, as compared to cow’s milk. This makes it highly antimicrobial in nature.
Some researches have also put forward that some anti-inflammatory compounds, which are basically short chain sugar molecules called oligosaccharides, are found in goat’s milk, making it easy to digest. This makes goat’s milk even better for those having a compromised intestinal function.
Goat's milk is a good source of the trace mineral selenium, an essential nutrient for the body due to its immune modulation and antioxidant properties.
Goat's milk does not product mucus; it does not stimulate a defense response from the human immune system. Rather, it helps neutralize mucus.

Caution

Like cow’s milk, goat’s milk also contains milk sugar and lactose, and is capable of producing allergic reactions in individuals who can’t tolerate lactose.

Cooking Tips

Due to the high fat content of goat’s milk, take care to cut down on other fatty additions, when you are using it in a recipe.
The yoghurt from goat’s milk can be used to make delicious recipes. Savory dips can be prepared by adding your favorite herbs and spices to it.
Crumbled goat cheese is a rich and tasty topping for split pea soup.
Goat’s cheese can be added to sandwiches and also spread over crusty whole grain bread or crackers and fruit.
You can add crumbled goat cheese can be added to a salad made of roman lettuce, pears and pumpkin seeds as well.

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