Goat Milk: 10 + 1 Reasons to Drink It Every Day
In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward preferring goat milk over cow’s milk, both as a standalone product and in its derivatives like yogurt, butter, and more. This shift is attributed to the numerous advantages it offers, as well as its high nutritional value. Consequently, consumers who are increasingly leaning towards a healthier diet with fewer preservatives are incorporating it into their daily eating habits.
Goat milk is richer and creamier compared to cow’s milk or plant-based milks, and it presents several benefits. If you’re considering adding it to your daily diet, it’s important to understand the benefits it can offer.
Info: Goats are considered one of the first animals to be domesticated by humans. Studies suggest that the Bezoar ibex, a type of goat native to Western Asia in the Zagros Mountains,
may be the earliest ancestor of the modern domesticated goat.
Goat Milk:
It’s Rich in Protein
If you want to add extra protein to your daily diet, goat milk is an excellent choice. Compared to plant-based milks like soy or oat milk, goat milk offers more protein per serving. Additionally, as we will see below, its nutrients are more easily absorbed by the body, meaning that your body can efficiently and quickly use the protein obtained from goat milk.
The proteins in goat milk also contain higher levels of certain amino acids, such as tryptophan and cysteine, compared to cow’s milk proteins. Research has linked these amino acids to immunoregulatory, allergy management, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.
Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels
Goat milk, compared to cow’s milk, is richer in healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as medium-chain triglycerides, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Additionally, it contains less cholesterol than cow’s milk, helping to lower blood triglycerides and improve lipid metabolism.
Furthermore, it aids in maintaining cholesterol levels and liver enzymes within normal ranges, thereby preventing heart disease. Goat milk is also a good source of vitamin K and potassium, which support heart health.
It is possible that people who are allergic to cow’s milk proteins may not have the same reaction to goat milk proteins. This is because they contain different types of casein.
Specifically, goat milk has lower levels of αs1-casein, which is found in cow’s milk, and higher levels of β-casein. Research suggests that αs1-casein is involved in various allergies, intestinal inflammations, and conditions such as acne. This is the main reason why goat milk is considered hypoallergenic.
Contains Less Lactose
Contains less lactose compared to cow’s milk, making it easier to digest for individuals with mild lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.
However, it is important to note that lactose remains a primary component of goat milk, so you should always consult with your doctor in cases of lactose intolerance.
Easier to Digest
For all the reasons mentioned, goat milk is considered easier to digest compared to cow’s milk. Additionally, it contains more medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are absorbed more easily by the intestines and do not require enzymatic breakdown, making the milk more digestible.
Furthermore, a significant point is that human milk has a similar chemical composition to goat milk. This similarity means that goat milk is more easily digestible and allows the body to absorb more nutrients as it passes through the system, resulting in less strain on the digestive processes.
Although goat milk seems to be gaining increasing popularity in the Western world and the US in recent years, it is estimated that approximately 65% of the global population consumes goat milk instead of cow’s milk.
Rich in Calcium and Other Nutrients
Generally, milk is considered a source of calcium, and goat milk is no exception. It helps keep bones healthy and contributes to the prevention of osteoporosis. Additionally, goats typically feed on plants, fruits, and herbs found in nature rather than processed foods.
The nutrients they obtain from their diet are passed into the milk they produce, making it valuable for human consumption as well.
As mentioned, goats feed directly from nature, obtaining all their nutrients from their diet. Consequently, is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and zinc, which are important for skin health.
Vitamin A, in particular, aids in skin cell renewal and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. This is why we now see skincare products on the market that are based on goat milk.
Enhances Nutrient Absorption
The α1-casein found in cow’s milk forms larger, more difficult-to-digest curds in the stomach. These dense curds can hinder the absorption of certain nutrients. In contrast, the α2-casein present in goat milk creates softer, more easily digestible curds, facilitating better nutrient absorption.
In fact, studies link the consumption of goat milk to improved iron absorption, which can benefit individuals suffering from anemia. This is because goat milk has a slightly acidic nature that may help create a more favorable environment in the intestines for absorbing iron and other minerals. Additionally, it contains smaller fat globules that are broken down and absorbed more easily by the body. Consequently, there is a better overall absorption of nutrients dissolved within these fat globules, such as iron.
Supports Heart Health
The high levels of potassium in goat milk help lower blood pressure, as potassium acts as a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and easing tension on the cardiovascular system.
Additionally, as noted earlier, goat milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Thus, it can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.
Contains Higher Levels of Healthy Fatty Acids and Supports Weight Management
Although goat milk has more fat compared to cow’s milk, it contains fewer harmful fats, as noted earlier. This means it can be beneficial for a diet without causing deprivation.
Additionally, due to its rich nutritional profile, you don’t need as large a quantity of goat milk to obtain the same (or better) amount of nutrients compared to cow’s milk. Specifically, just one cup can provide nearly 40% of your daily calcium needs, 20% of your B vitamin intake, as well as significant amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
Supports Hydration and Energy Levels
Goat milk is a source of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which are crucial for fluid balance and proper cell function. Additionally, it contains high levels of B vitamins (B6 – pyridoxine, B12 – cobalamin, B1 – thiamine) that are involved in converting food into energy.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, goat milk provides high-quality proteins that offer essential amino acids for muscle repair and recovery. This aids in energy replenishment and helps maintain muscle mass, especially after exercise.
Info: Goats convert all the beta-carotene they receive from their diet into vitamin A, which is why products like milk, cream, and butter produced from goat milk have a whiter color compared to those made from cow’s milk.
Cows produce methane during digestion through a natural process called “enteric fermentation.” Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that significantly impacts climate change and global warming.
Environmentalists argue that the millions of cows raised for meat and milk are a major factor in ozone layer depletion and global warming.
Additionally, due to their size, goats consume smaller amounts of food and water. Their ability to eat plants and fruits by climbing trees or accessing steep areas also aids in soil regeneration. Goats typically graze around a fenced area, eating thorns, marigolds, nettles, thistles, and other spiky or woody plants. This makes them useful in preventing the spread of thorns and other weeds in fields.
Supporting goat milk production can help mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.
Nutrients in Aria Goat Milk Powder
Let’s take a closer look at the contents of one serving of Aria Goat Milk:
- 0.2µg Vitamin B12
- 482mg Potassium
- 257mg Calcium
- 8g Protein
- 33.6mg Magnesium
- 224µg Vitamin A
- 0.1mg Thiamine
- 0.2mg Riboflavin
Specifically:
- Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and Zinc contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Thiamine, Riboflavin, Potassium, and Magnesium support the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Pantothenic Acid aids in the normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, Vitamin D, and certain neurotransmitters.
- Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones.
- Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal bone condition.
As part of a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, the recommended daily serving is 60g of powder (equivalent to 2 servings of 250ml prepared product).
Goat milk can be incorporated into your daily diet just like any other type of milk.
Here are some ideas:
- With cereals or granola
- In homemade oatmeal or cereal bars
- In coffee
- In smoothies
- In various recipes such as pancakes, desserts, soups – you’ll find plenty of recipes on our blog as well as on Facebook & Instagram
Nut milks often have a very watery consistency and do not have the same properties as regular milk in certain recipes. Goat milk is creamy and has a similar consistency to cow’s milk but with properties that make it easier to digest.
*All content on Real Greek Dairies is informational and aims to provide guidance and promote a healthy lifestyle combined with a balanced diet. For specific cases and additional advice, it is always best to consult your doctor or nutritionist.
