Three of the healthiest animal milks

Written by Paris Kazemian

While you might think of alternatives to cow’s milk only in terms of non-dairy, nut-based milk, cows are far from the only source of dairy milk out there. There are different types of animal milks in the market

Most of the world’s milk supply is from cows, but in some countries, about 7 percent of the population is allergic to it. Non-bovine animals’ milk and A2 cow’s milk do not trigger allergies, in some cases have medicinal applications, and are nutritionally superior to normal cow’s milk. Several alternatives to normal cow’s milk have been increasingly available in the Australian market in recent years.

1- A2 cow milk

Nutrition Information:

An 8-ounce (240-ml) serving of whole milk provides the following:

• Calories: 149
• Protein: 8 grams
• Carbs: 12 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Vitamin D: 24% of the DV
• Calcium: 28% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 26% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 22% of the DV
• Vitamin B12: 18% of the DV
• Selenium: 13% of the DV
• Potassium: 10% of the DV

What is A2 milk?

To simplify, cow milk is available in two types of beta-casein proteins. A2 cow milk is also known as Desi Cow milk and is produced by cows that have only A2 beta-casein proteins. The main difference between regular milk and a2 milk is that regular milk has both A1 and A2 beta-casein forms, whereas A2 milk may only contain A2 beta-casein. These proteins are A1 and A2, which differ from each other by a single amino acid.

According to some studies, A1 milk may trigger certain diseases, whereas A2 milk is generally beneficial to overall health. While most cows produce a combination of A1 and A2 beta-casein, A2 milk is obtained from cows that naturally produce only A2 beta-casein due to a genetic mutation. Most of the dairy herds in Asia and Africa produce A2 milk. Most European cows, produce A1 milk. The A2 beta-casein protein included in A2 milk breaks down into amino acids for faster digestion, which benefits our general health and boosts the nutritional content of cow’s milk.

What are the benefits of drinking A2 milk?

A2 cow milk has recently gained popularity owing to its health and nutritional advantages, since it has been shown to be high in proteins, minerals, and vitamins, among other things. A2 cow milk is strong in minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones and teeth, greater muscular performance, blood pressure management, tissue, and cell growth, and improving good cholesterol (HDL) as well as general body nutrition and well-being. Also, A2 milk has essential vitamins like Vitamin A, D, and B12.

2- Camel milk

Nutrition Information:

One-half cup (120 ml) of camel milk contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 3 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Carbs: 5 grams
• Thiamine: 29% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Riboflavin: 8% of the DV
• Calcium: 16% of the DV
• Potassium: 6% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 6% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 5% of the DV

Camel milk is rich in many nutrients that are important for overall health. It is comparable to whole cow’s milk, however, has a lower saturated fat content and provides more vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium than whole cow’s milk. Also, It’s high in beneficial fats including long-chain fatty acids, linoleic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids, all of which may help with brain and heart health.

What are the benefits of drinking camel milk?

• Lactose intolerance is a widespread problem caused by a lack of lactase, an enzyme required to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. After eating dairy products, it might cause bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain. People with lactose sensitivity or milk allergy may find camel milk to be a better alternative.
• Camel milk has been demonstrated to help persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes decrease their blood sugar and enhance their insulin sensitivity.
• Camel milk has the potential to combat disease-causing organisms and increase immunity. Camel milk consists of lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, the two primary active components, which are proteins that may provide camel milk with its immune-boosting effects. In one research camel milk was reported to protect rats against leukopenia(low white blood cell count). These findings back up the milk’s immune-boosting benefits.
• Camel milk can help with brain conditions and autism disorders. However, camel milk should not be used to replace traditional autism therapy. Camel milk may benefit neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s as well.

Caution!

Camel milk is more expensive compared to cow’s milk and may not be pasteurized.

3- Goat milk

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 Cup

• 140 Calories
• 7g total fat
• 4g saturated fat
• 0g trans fat
• 25mg cholesterol
• 115mg sodium
• 11g total carbs
• 0g dietary fibre
• 11g sugars
• 8g protein
• 3mcg Vitamin D (15% DV)
• 300mg calcium (25% DV)
• 420mg potassium (9% DV)

Goat milk is the most commonly used dairy product in the world. In fact, more than %65 of all dairy consumed globally is goat milk because goats are easier to raise than cows in many countries, where goat milk provides a valuable source of calories, protein, and lipids. Goat milk is preferred by many people in many countries over cow milk. Goat milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Goat milk is thicker and creamier than cow milk and it contains more nutrients that might be beneficial to your health.

What are the benefits of drinking goat milk?

• Some people with cow milk allergies may discover that goat milk does not affect their symptoms. According to research, one out of every four newborns who are sensitive to cow milk are not allergic to goat milk. If you have a dairy allergy, your GP can do a test to see if you can safely consume goat milk. 
• Goat milk may assist patients with high blood cholesterol to manage their cholesterol levels. Goat milk has been found in studies to help lower cholesterol levels in the arteries and gallbladder. This may make it easier for persons with high cholesterol levels to manage their cholesterol.
• Goat milk contains more protein per serving than cow milk, soy milk, or nut milk. Also, goat milk protein looks to be more easily digested, meaning that your body can utilize it more easily.

Caution!

Goat milk is not suitable for lactose-sensitive people. Lactose is a sugar and still presents in goat milk, just as it is in cow milk. Some people find goat milk simpler to digest than cow milk, however, this is a very personal preference.

Conclusion

Although humans can drink a variety type of animal milk like yak, buffalo, horse and donkey, and even giraffe and reindeer, the most common milk on the market today in many countries is normal cow’s milk. Also, A2 cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and camel’s milk now have their place and there is a different benefit to drinking each of them.

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