Cow milk is the primary dairy product in our daily life. As is known to all, some other animals can also secrete milk like goat, sheep, camel and so on. So in your opinion, is goat milk better than cow milk? Next we will have a comprehensive analysis, maybe you will get the answer of this question.
Goat milk is similar to cow milk in rate of vitamin or mineral
Goat milk can provide different levels of vitamins and minerals compared to cow milk. The contrast is minimal, which means that the milk is higher in some nutrients, and lower in others. In a word, there is no enough evidence to state that one type of milk is much better than the one. The following table will offer a contrast table between goat milk and cow milk, you will find that the cow milk is similar to goat milk in rate of vitamin or mineral.
|
Vitamin |
Cow Milk (% RDI) |
Goat Milk (% RDI) |
Mineral |
Cow Milk (% RDI) |
Goat Milk (% RDI) |
|
Vitamin A |
5 % |
10 % |
Calcium |
28 % |
33 % |
|
Vitamin B1 |
7 % |
8 % |
Copper |
1 % |
6 % |
|
Vitamin B2 |
26 % |
20 % |
Iron |
Trace |
1 % |
|
Vitamin B3 |
1 % |
3 % |
Magnesium |
6 % |
9 % |
|
Vitamin B5 |
9 % |
8 % |
Manganese |
Trace |
2 % |
|
Vitamin B6 |
4 % |
6 % |
Phosphorus |
22 % |
27 % |
|
Vitamin B12 |
18 % |
3 % |
Potassium |
10 % |
14 % |
|
Vitamin C |
Trace |
5 % |
Selenium |
13 % |
5 % |
|
Vitamin D |
24 % |
7 % |
Sodium |
4 % |
5 % |
|
Vitamin E |
1 % |
1 % |
Zinc |
7 % |
5 % |
|
Vitamin K |
1 % |
1 % |
Vitamin M (Folate) |
3 % |
1 % |
Goat milk is friendly to those people who is sensitivity to cow milk
Both cow milk and goat milk contains casein protein, but the specific composition is slightly different. Cow milk contains A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein, and goat’s milk contains A2 beta-casein and minimal amounts of A1 beta-casein. The digestion of A1 types of casein in cow milk leads to the production of an opioid peptide --- beta-casomorphine-7. However, beta-casomorphine-7 is associated with intestinal inflammation, various digestive issues, and allergic reactions in some sensitive people. So goat milk is a good alternative to cow milk in children who show symptoms of allergy.
Goat milk contains slightly less lactose
Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk, and it consists of two types of sugar, glucose and galactose. On the negative side, a large number of people have either sensitivities or intolerance to lactose. In this regard, estimates state that approximately 65% of the global adult population has difficulty in digesting the sugar. Compared to cow milk, goat milk contains slightly less lactose, however, the actual amount of lactose present in both types of milk is still reasonably close. Therefore, it is unlikely that goat milk’s lower lactose content will provide any significant benefits. But which will be useful for someone with very slight lactose sensitivity.
Goat milk contains more oligosaccharides
Goat milk is a good source of oligosaccharides. For those unaware of these compounds, oligosaccharides are a unique type of carbohydrate that escape digestion. Although we require further studies on oligosaccharides, initial studies suggest they may have various health benefits. For example, research demonstrates that the compounds may potentially enhance immune function and insulin sensitivity. One of the most concentrated sources of oligosaccharides in nature is human breast milk. Goat milk does not match the concentration of oligosaccharides found in human milk, but it provides the best animal milk source. Compared to cow milk, the oligosaccharide content from the milk of goats is, on average, 5-8 times higher, so in other hand, goat milk is much better than cow milk in nutrients.
Goat milk is a gospel for dieter
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid that naturally features in various animal foods. Although research is in its infancy on CLA, various studies suggest that CLA may have positive effects on weight loss. The CLA concentrations in milk can significantly vary depending on the diet of the animal. Studies on the CLA content of milk demonstrated that cows fed grains or hay had a CLA concentration ranging from 7.3 mg to 9.0 mg per 100 grams. However, the amount of CLA in pasture-raised cows ranged from 8.9 mg to 22.1 mg, depending on the ratio of pasture to grains the animals ate. Since the majority of milk comes from predominantly grain-fed cows, goat milk should contain slightly higher concentrations.
Some nutrients may be more bioavailable in goat milk
Interestingly, due to the differing composition of goat milk, some nutrients may be more bioavailable. For instance, goat milk contains a higher number of nucleotides. The fact explains why studies find the iron in goat milk is more bioavailable than in cow milk. Additionally, animal studies show that the uptake and retention of copper, selenium, and zinc are higher with goat milk compared to cow milk. It is worth noting that animal studies do not automatically infer the same would be true in humans. However, researchers believe this should be the case since goat milk shares a closer resemblance to human milk.
References
Introduction of our products
400003 - Milk adulteration test kit - bovine from sheep/goat
