We’ve finally gotten used to milking around here. Penelope is giving me a quart every morning now, and it is absolutely delicious. I used to drink goat milk as a kid (no pun intended), but I didn’t remember how it tasted beyond the fact that I liked it. I’ve never liked the store bought homogenized, pasteurized cow milk, so I figured I just didn’t like milk. I also had this idea that goat milk always tasted strong or “goaty.” Nothing is further from the truth! This goat milk is the creamiest, sweetest milk I’ve ever tasted. So, why drink raw goat milk?
1. It tastes good!
2. It’s easier to digest that cow milk. Goat milk has smaller fat globules than cow milk which are more easily digested. It also has a higher proportion of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids which makes the fat easier to digest.
3. It’s better for allergy sufferers. Goat milk does not cause mucus like cow milk and is better tolerated by those with asthma and allergies.
4. It’s naturally homogenized. Because the fat globules are smaller, they’re naturally mixed up in goat milk. The mechanical homogenization of cow milk causes the enzyme xanthine oxidase to become free, which can enter the vascular system and scar it, setting up ideal conditions for fatty deposits in the arteries.
5. It produces an alkaline reaction. Goat milk leads to an alkaline reaction in the body, like human milk. Cow milk produces an acidic reaction in the body, which is more hospitable for bacteria, fungi and viruses.
6. It contains more medium-chain fatty acids than cow milk. These enhance the immune system and provide energy.
7. It’s higher in vitamins and minerals. Goat milk contains more calcium, Vitamins A and B-6, potassium, niacin, copper and selenium than cow milk. It’s also easier for the body to absorb calcium and iron from goat milk.
8. Raw goat milk contains probiotics. These help populate the gut with beneficial bacteria. Bifidus factor is found in raw goat milk, which promotes the growth of lactobacillus bifidus, the “good” bacteria.
9. It boosts your immune system. The bioactive components of raw milk promote the activity of the immune system and retard the growth of harmful organisms.
10. Many people who are lactose intolerant can drink raw goat milk. This is because the naturally occurring lactase enzyme which digests the lactose is present without pasteurization.
There you have it, no wonder I’ve been feeling so great lately! Keep in mind that it is hard to find raw goat milk in stores due to FDA regulations, so you’ll probably need to find a local farmer to purchase it from. Farm fresh is the way to go for both taste and nutrition. You can also research whether it is right for you and consider getting your own goats!
References
http://www.optimumchoices.com/goat_milk.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/031586_raw_goats_milk_health.html
http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=38646
Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books, 2002.