Goat's Milk is the World's Favorite Dairy Drink

Nutritionally Superior to Cow’s Milk, it Gains U.S. Popularity

Jun 11, 2009 Estelle Rodis-Brown

In the United States, goat's milk is a less popular alternative to cow's milk. But in most areas of the world, the opposite is true... and for good reason.

Globally, more people drink goat’s milk than milk from cows or any other species. Dairy goats have made a valuable contribution to the nutritional and economic well being of mankind since ancient times, especially in developing countries.

U.S. consumers are beginning to appreciate that goat’s milk differs from cow or even human milk in its higher digestibility, distinct alkalinity, higher buffering capacity, nutritional benefits and certain therapeutic values in medicine and human nutrition.

Naturally Better

Goat’s milk is one of nature’s perfect foods, as it is non-allergenic and its nutrients are more readily accessible than from cow’s milk. Its chemical structure is similar to that of mother’s milk, but is digested more easily. It is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids without the heavy fat content and mucus-producing materials of cow’s milk. The lactose content of goat’s milk is about 10 percent lower than that of cow’s milk, contributing to its better digestibility.

Children fed goat’s milk score higher than those fed cow’s milk in terms of weight gain, stature, skeletal mineralization, bone density, blood plasma, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and hemoglobin concentrations. Goat’s milk and its products are also important daily food sources of protein, phosphate and calcium. It contains more vitamins A and D than cow’s milk. Potassium, copper and manganese levels in goat’s milk are also higher than those in cow’s milk.

Goat’s milk has a unique metabolic ability to provide energy for both growing children and adults. It is known to inhibit Candida infections, and it is also used for treatment of patients with difficulty absorbing nutrients. It has even proven to lower, inhibit and dissolve cholesterol deposits.

Many people with recurrent ear infections, asthma, eczema, and even rheumatoid arthritis have discovered that they also suffer from allergies to cow’s milk. According to The George Mateljan Foundation, drinking goat’s milk instead may help to reduce some symptoms of these conditions.

Foodies Agree

Goat’s milk doesn’t just help people with medical afflictions (such as allergies and gastrointestinal disorders) who need alternative dairy products. Goat’s milk and its cheeses, yogurt and powders are valued in the dairy industry of developed countries like the United States, providing connoisseur consumers with unique options in flavor, texture and nutrition.

The market for specialty cheese products -- especially goat cheeses like feta and Chevre -- has taken off over the last decade. From 2003 to 2005, goat cheese sales grew 19.9 percent. In 2005, sales increased another 7.7 percent and specialty cheese sales were up 32 percent in 2006. According to a recent article about artisan cheese in Condé Nast Portfolio, the specialty cheese market (including both U.S. and foreign products) is worth $6 billion a year.

Certainly, modern consumers are looking for time-proven ways to promote positive health, which includes eating well. Consuming products from goat’s milk is a part of this trend toward wellness through simplicity, purity and natural living.

The copyright of the article Goat's Milk is the World's Favorite Dairy Drink in Nutrition is owned by Estelle Rodis-Brown. Permission to republish Goat's Milk is the World's Favorite Dairy Drink in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Goat's Milk is Nutritionally Superior

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