Benefits of goat's milk

Tracey-Ann Brown, Complementary & Oriental Medicine

As it turns out, the goat has more to offer than just our beloved dish of curried goat. Given the amount of goats running about hillside and roadside, it's certainly in abundant supply. In fact, goat milk has a number of health benefits which are often little known. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often recommended for persons who are frail.

BENEFITS

Goat's milk may be used to benefit persons who are weakened or convalescing. Additionally, it is used in cases of emaciation, malnutrition, anaemia, stomach ulcers, fatigue and nervous exhaustion.

The fat globules found in goat's milk are smaller and more easily assimilated, contributing to easier digestion than those of cow's milk.

Goat's milk is different from cow's milk in some of its nutrient content and concentration. It is higher in calcium, vitamins A and B6, potassium, copper and manganese.

Goat's milk is usually well tolerated by persons who are allergic to cow's milk.

It can be beneficial in cases of constipation, and it enriches the intestinal flora.

DAIRY AND MUCUS CONDITIONS

In the case of mucus-related problems - such as discharges from the nose and various parts of the body - frequent colds, asthma, allergies, sinus problems (which quite possibly affects every other Jamaican, to a greater or lesser degree), tumours, cysts, constipation, colon trouble, excessive Candida albicans growth, or obesity, it is generally wise to ensure consumption of either good quality or fewer dairy products. While persons with excess mucus still need to be cautious with goat's milk, it forms far less mucus in the body and, therefore, is a preferable choice.

GOAT'S MILK AND INFANTS

Infants that are intolerant to cow's milk, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and facial rashes, may do better after switching to goat's milk, with many of these allergic reactions disappearing or greatly improving.

In general, drinking cow's milk or goat's milk is not recommended for infants under one year of age, as they can cause irritation of the intestines and anaemia.

Infants under the age of one who are allergic to cow's milk-based formulas, soy formulas, or hypoallergenic formulas are sometimes put on goat milk formula. This is to be done in consultation with their paediatrician.

HOMOGENISATION

Goat's milk is naturally homogenised by the goat's digestive system and does not need to be mechanically homogenised, as the fat globules found in goat's milk are smaller than those in cow's milk.

Generally, milk products should not be a main staple in any diet beyond infancy, and are best used as a supplement when necessary, as long as they are of high quality and well tolerated.

Dr Tracey-Ann Brown is an oriental medicine practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine at Revamp Comprehensive, and adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology in Oriental/ Chinese Medicine; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com