Milk is an essential part of the diet of people worldwide. It has a variety of nutrients and helps in fulfilling the calcium and protein requirement of the body. It is also known to boost metabolism and immunity and keep many diseases at bay.
Goat milk is a popular choice of milk worldwide. The unique healthy milk produced by goats is very beneficial for health and the environment. Goat milk can be considered a significant option to be consumed by infants as compared to the other milk options.(1)
Goat milk is thicker and creamier than cow milk and plant-based milk and bears the following benefits:
- Easier to digest
- Leads to better heart health
- Lesser risk of milk allergies
Research shows that goat milk enhances the ability of the body to absorb nutrients from other foods.(2)
Nutrition in Goat Milk
A cup serving of goat milk contains:(3)
- 168 calories
- 9 grams of protein
- 10 grams of fats
- 11 grams of carbohydrates
- 11 grams of sugar
Goat milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A which is known to be beneficial in reducing the risk of cataracts and certain forms of cancer.(4)
Potential Benefits of Goat Milk
There are numerous reasons why goat milk can be a better beverage than cow or plant-based milk.
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It is High in Digestible Protein
Compared to cow, soy, or nuts milk, goat milk has more protein per serving.(6) It appears to be more digestible, which means the body can use it more easily.(5) It is known to have more protein than almond or rice milk.
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May not Cause Allergies
Some people have allergies to cow milk. They may not find goat milk triggers any allergies. Casein is a natural protein found in milk and many people find it difficult to digest. Cow milk contains Alpha S1 casein which many people may be allergic to. Studies show goat milk is low in Alpha S1 casein and contain Alpha S2 Casein.(7)
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Helps in Managing Cholesterol Level
Goat milk can help in reducing cholesterol levels in people with high blood cholesterol.
Studies show goat milk to be effective in reducing cholesterol in the arteries and gallbladder.(8) This can be helpful for people with high cholesterol levels in controlling their cholesterol levels easily.
Risks & Drawbacks Associated With Goat Milk
Just like any beverage, goat milk is also not a perfect beverage. It has certain qualities that might make it a worse option compared with cow or plant milk. Knowing all the benefits and drawbacks of consuming goat milk can be helpful for a person in making the right decision for health.
Non-Lactose Free
If a person is lactose intolerant, goat milk might not be a good choice. Goat milk also contains lactose just like cow’s milk.
In the case of lactose intolerance, people should stick to plant-based milk as they are guaranteed to be free from lactose.
More Calories
Goat milk contains more calories than other types of milk. Consuming food rich in calories can lead to weight gain.
Those working on reducing calorie intake should avoid taking goat milk.
Goat milk can be a good alternative to regular cow milk due to its rich nutrient content. It is helpful in the overall development of the body and also enhances the ability of the system to absorb important nutrients.