Goat Facts

What are the benefits of Goat’s milk?

Goat’s milk is closer to human milk in composition, and so is more easily tolerated by many people with allergies. This is because it contains less casein, a protein found in cow’s milk that have proven to be very allergenic to some people.

The fat in goat’s milk is quite different from the fat in cow’s milk; the fat molecules in goat’s milk are smaller and more evenly mixed throughout the milk, which is more easily digested thanks to the elimination of agglutinin that is in cow’s milk. Goat’s milk also contains higher levels of the essential fatty acids linoleic and arachnodonic. Because of the mix of different fat acids the milk is known for its gentle effects on the digestive tract.

The protein in goat’s milk is also a bit different that in cow’s milk. The protein in cow’s milk forms hard curds that clump in the stomach and make it harder to digest. The curds formed from the protein in goat’s milk are much softer and more easily broken down by the enzymes in our digestive tract. This makes consumption much more comfortable to many people who have dairy sensitivities.

Goat’s milk has lower levels of lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk. Cow’s milk contains about 4.7% lactose where goat’s milk contains 4.1%. The difference may seem minimal but to people with slight lactose intolerance, it can make a big difference.

Goat’s milk contains many minerals that are lacking in cow’s milk. Higher levels of calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, miacin and copper are found in goat’s milk when compared to cow milk. Goat’s milk does contain less folic acid than cow’s milk, so if you are relying on milk alone for folic acid, you will need to supplement with another source.

Goat’s milk is also an excellent choice for young children due to the ease of digesting. If a child is allergic to cow’s milk, goat’s milk may be a suitable option. Always consult your GP when making nutritional decisions in your child’s diet.