Should you be switching to goat milk instead of cow milk?

01/19/2019 / By Mary Miller

There are many different types of organic milk that you can choose to drink. There’s cow milk, buffalo milk, sheep milk, goat milk, and even camel milk. There are even a few plant-based varieties of milk. Each kind of milk comes with its own set of health benefits. Goat milk, in particular, can serve as a healthier alternative to cow milk, while being more accessible than the more nutrient-dense camel milk. Here are some of the health benefits you can reap from drinking goat milk:

Goat milk is more easily digestible than cow milk

If you have lactose intolerance, the lactose content in cow milk will likely make it difficult for your body to digest. However, goat milk has a much lower lactose content that cow milk, making it a suitable milk substitute for those who are lactose intolerant. Because goat milk also has twice the levels of healthy fatty acids than that of cow milk, it is even more easily digestible for most people. These beneficial fatty acids can aid in fixing poor digestion and bowel problems. Another reason why goat milk is so easy to digest is because it has smaller fat molecules than cow milk does. (Related: Raw goat’s milk offers many benefits.)

Goat milk is loaded with highly bioavailable nutrients

You can get even more nutrients from drinking a single cup of goat’s milk than you would from drinking the same amount of cow milk. Some of the minerals and nutrients found in goat milk include phosphorus, magnesium, riboflavin, selenium, zinc, copper, potassium, and vitamins A, B2, C, and D. Goat milk promotes optimal digestion because these nutrients are highly bioavailable and easy to absorb. It causes less stress to your digestive system because its chemical composition is very similar to human milk, even more so than cow milk.

Goat milk can strengthen your bones

Like most other varieties of milk, goat milk is rich in calcium that can improve bone growth and strength. Calcium deposits in your body are necessary for the prevention of osteoporosis. Since goat milk provides as much calcium as cow milk does, but without most of the digestion-related side effects, goat milk can make it easier for you to get adequate amounts of calcium.

Goat milk is good for heart health

Drinking goat milk can keep your heart healthy due to its high levels of healthy fatty acids, but low levels of cholesterol. Goat milk can even help to raise levels of good cholesterol in your body, while lowering levels of bad cholesterol. Its high potassium content can also relax your blood vessels and relieve tension in your cardiovascular system to help lower your blood pressure levels. This can help protect your body from heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, and other coronary complications.

Goat milk can help boost your immune system

Selenium is an essential mineral that your immune system needs to function properly and fight off infections. Goat milk contains significant amounts of selenium, compared to the trace amounts found in cow milk.

Goat milk can help reduce inflammation

Cow milk can often cause inflammation and symptoms of upset stomach. Goat milk typically comes with none of these symptoms. Even more that that, goat milk has unique enzymes with anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe gut inflammation.

Goat milk can aid in growth and development

Protein is necessary for the healthy growth and development of cells, tissues, muscles, and bones. Goat milk is an excellent source of protein for growth stimulation.

Goat milk can aid in weight loss

Goat milk can help provide for your body’s nutritional needs, with minute amounts of unhealthy fats. When taken alongside sensible weight management plans, goat milk can help you lose weight.