More Calcium
Let's start with the differences between cow's milk and goat's milk. Goat's milk has nearly 15% more calcium than it's bovine counterpart; that's 1/3 of your daily requirement for calcium!
Allergies
Allergies is another consideration. Many people with a cow milk allergy react to the casein in the cow milk. Goat milk still has casein, but much less, nearly 90% less! That means individuals who are allergic to cow milk, may be able to tolerate goat milk.
What can you do with goat's milk besides drink it?
There are so many things you can do with goats milk. Everything from cheese to yogurt to kefir, ice cream (yum!) and whey. In addition to all of that, soaps and lotions can be made which are creamy, hydrating and good for people with eczema and other skin conditions.
Yogurt
Yogurt made from goat milk is less affected by acids so it has a less acidic taste than yogurt made from cow milk. As a result, less sugar or flavoring is required to be added and it tastes better than cow milk as a plain yogurt.
Goat Cheese
Who doesn't enjoy goat cheese? The creamy texture is great as a feta, traditional goat cheese, cheddar and ricotta. It's texture and flavor go great on a salad, crackers or even just plain! We can't keep goat cheese around long as everyone wants it. It's a treat for sure and what we almost always take to family gatherings and get-together's since we've had dairy goats.
What are the benefits of goat's milk?
Goat milk is high in Riboflavin (B2).
Vitamin B2's main purpose is to aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to provide you with more energy.
The curds in goat milk are finer and easier to digest than those found in traditional cow milk. This means people who have discomfort after ingesting cow milk, may be able to better digest goat milk. The structure of the fatty acids in goat milk is made of short and medium chain fats, vs cow milk which is long chain and thus goat milk is easier to digest.
Goat's milk contains more potassium, phosphorus and magnesium than cow milk .
Potassium plays significant roles in heart and brain health among other organs as well. Bananas are usually thought of for their potassium content, but goat milk can help you fulfill your daily potassium requirement as well.
Phosphorus is more important to vegetarians as it plays an active role in the utilization of vegetables.
Magnesium is an important ingredient for over 300 enzyme systems in your body. It not only is required for healthy bones, it helps convert Vitamin D into its active form.
Goat milk can soothe the pain from stomach ulcers.
Goat milk is less affected by the acid in your stomach than cow milk and can help coat your stomach and protect any ulcers from the painful affects of your stomach acid. When paired with an antacid, stomach ulcer sufferers may find significant relief.
Final thoughts
With it's many health benefits, it's easy to see why so many people utilize goat milk in their daily lives. Goat milk is more widely consumed world wide than cow milk and it is similar enough that it can easily be incorporated in your daily diet and routine.
We utilize our goat milk in coffee as creamer and in several types of cheeses currently. The goat cheese spread on a cracker or ricotta in lasagna is our favorite so far. We have plans to utilize it in soap making soon as well as lotions and ice cream.
Have you ever tried goat milk? What have you utilized it in and what were your experiences with it? If you haven't tried goat milk, what are your reservations about trying it?
