Goat milk: benefits and harm to the body, composition and how to choose

From a goat or from a cow

On an industrial scale, cows are usually raised. After all, these animals, although they eat more, give up to 20 liters of milk per day. Goats are mainly raised by small farms. These animals eat three times less feed per day than cows, but produce only 3-6 liters of milk.

A variety of dairy products are presented on store shelves. Most often they sell cow's milk and cheeses made from it. In the meat departments there is no special excitement about goat meat either.

It is believed that goat's milk is healthier than cow's milk. This is partly true. Goat's milk is fattier than cow's milk. It contains more substances useful for the human body (calcium, light protein and fat, vitamin A). Cow's milk has a higher content of vitamins PP, B2, B4, B5, B12 and elements - zinc, chromium, cobalt. The composition of other beneficial substances is approximately the same, but the bioavailability of goat's is much better. True, the composition of this product depends on the diet of the animals and their state of health.

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Zarechny Maxim Valerievich

Agronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best country expert.

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As a rule, the fat content of cow's milk is 3.4-3.7 percent, and goat's milk is 4-8 percent. Goats get sick less often and receive GMO feed and antibiotics. Their milk is cleaner and safer. Cow milk can lead to increased production of mucus in the nose (rhinitis). This never happens with a goat.

For young children, goat milk is recommended to be boiled and diluted with water to avoid diarrhea. Only in this case is it completely safe and will not cause flatulence or bloating. Goat's milk is digested easier and faster than cow's milk, so it is less likely to cause allergies. In addition, it has the properties of prebiotics, that is, it populates the intestines with beneficial bifidobacteria (not boiled). True, children and older people who are allergic to cow's milk are also not recommended to drink goat's milk.

Goat's milk for the elderly, its benefits

The composition, beneficial properties, calorie and fat content of goat's milk, as well as its ability to be absorbed by our body and contraindications for use have been known for a long time. Let's talk about everything in order.

Biochemical composition of goat milk

The amount of microelements in the product distinguishes goat's milk from cow's milk. It contains: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, copper, cobalt, manganese, iron, molybdenum, boron, iodine, sulfur, zinc and selenium.

In terms of vitamin content, goat milk is slightly inferior to the lactation product of cows, however, researchers found in it retinol, ascorbic acid, ergocalciferol, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, choline, pyridoxine, folic acid, cobalamin, biotin, nicotinic acid, vitamin K.

The product is rich in protein compounds and easily digestible beta-casein. It contains almost all essential and non-essential amino acids, sterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), including linoleic and linolenic acids.

The amount of lactose in goat milk is minimal, and this allows it to be included in the diet of people who are intolerant to this compound. This is why product intolerance is extremely rare.

The level of breakdown in the body and absorption of milk bionutrients is 100%. The fats present in the composition have a low molecular weight (approximately 15 times less than that of cow's milk), which ensures such a high percentage of absorption.

Omega-3 PUFAs have the metabolic ability to prevent the accumulation of dangerous cholesterol - low-density lipoproteins - in the blood and increase the level of beneficial ones - high-density lipoproteins.

What does goat milk help with? For what diseases is it recommended to drink?

Nutritionists recommend including goat milk and its derivatives in the diet for the following pathological conditions of the body:

  • Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases (bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis);
  • Viral infections of the bronchopulmonary system and nasopharynx (influenza and other illnesses, acute respiratory infections, sore throat, colds, rhinitis);
  • Slagging of the body with salts of heavy metals, radionuclides, toxic substances;
  • Toxic poisoning, including food, drug and chemical;
  • Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, gastritis with high acidity, heartburn;
  • Dysbacteriosis;
  • Childhood diathesis and allergy to cow's milk proteins;
  • Diabetes;
  • Conjunctivitis and other ophthalmological diseases (used externally as drops for instillation and rinsing of the organs of vision);
  • Stress, increased mental and physical stress;
  • Depression, neurosis, chronic fatigue syndrome;
  • Rickets, osteoporosis, fractures and cracks of bones, fragility of bone tissue;
  • Decreased immunity;
  • The recovery period after serious illnesses, surgery, chemotherapy.

Benefits for women

The product is useful for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Washing with raw goat milk eliminates dry skin and flaking of the epidermis, and also qualitatively moisturizes the epithelium of the face and body, increasing protective functions.

The unique therapeutic properties of milk are used by women during hormonal changes. In particular, use as a dietary supplement to the diet can minimize the manifestations of menopause, relieve excessive irritation, hot flashes, and emotional fluctuations.

Goat milk is very useful in old age. Due to the large number of microelements and vitamins in its composition, it can have a preventive effect on almost all organs.

Phosphorus and iron activate brain activity, therefore, memory improves, and the risk of developing diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases is reduced. Calcium strengthens bones, which helps to avoid problems with the musculoskeletal system and the development of osteoporosis (destruction of bone tissue).

Vitamins strengthen and improve the immune system, have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart muscle, and maintain normal vision.

Regular use of a dairy product will help improve your overall condition and add vitality and energy.

Besides,

Chemical composition

Nutritional value and chemical composition of goat milk (per 100 g, as a percentage of 100%):

  • calorie content - 68 Kcal;
  • fats - 6.18% or 4.2 g;
  • proteins - 3.26% or 3 g;
  • carbohydrates - 3.19% or 4.5 g;
  • water - 3.18% or 87 grams.

Essential vitamins and elements (as a percentage of 100%):

  • A - 6.7%;
  • B2— 7.8%;
  • B5 - 6%;
  • N - 6.2%;
  • RR - 5%;
  • potassium - 5.8%;
  • calcium - 14%;
  • magnesium - 3.5%;
  • sodium - 3.6%;
  • phosphorus - 11%;
  • molybdenum - 10%.

Useful properties of milk

Goat milk and products made from it are useful at any age. After all, the body always needs proteins, fats and amino acids of animal origin. A glass of goat milk contains 380 mg of calcium, that is, 1/3 of the daily requirement for an adult.

For women

There is nothing more valuable for the female body than goat milk. Especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This product saturates the body with all nutrients, vitamins and minerals. True, the most benefits come from fresh and unboiled milk. Although such a product without boiling can only be taken from an absolutely healthy goat that has all the vaccinations.

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All beneficial substances are stored in fresh milk for 2 hours after milking. After a while, the growth of pathogenic microflora in it is activated. It is safer to boil milk, especially milk bought at the market. After all, it is unknown what the producer, that is, the dairy goat, is sick with. A pregnant woman needs to drink at least 1 glass of goat milk per day. This product will help keep the expectant mother’s teeth healthy and will also benefit the development of the fetus.

Goat milk proteins are quickly absorbed by the body of women. In addition, they are carriers of immunoglobulins, that is, substances involved in the production of antibodies against viruses and bacteria (though for kids). Casein contained in proteins, after digestion, forms substances with a calming effect. Goat's milk is good for relaxing and relieving stress. It is useful to drink to reduce blood pressure, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

If women suffer from lactase intolerance to cow's milk, they will most likely like goat's milk.

After all, it contains 10 percent less lactose. You can switch to yoghurts and fermented milk products. It is better to use pharmaceutical enzymes that are missing for the breakdown of milk carbohydrates. It is recommended to avoid goat products only in case of allergies. Although goat's milk, unlike cow's, does not contain the most allergenic alpha-c1-casein.

For men

Goat milk is good for drinking not only for children, but even for adult men. After all, this high-calorie product quickly saturates the body with all useful and healing substances. Digestion of fat begins already in the stomach; along the way, milk reduces acidity, so it is useful to drink for men suffering from abdominal pain, that is, with gastritis and ulcers. It is recommended to consume live, not boiled milk to normalize the bacterial intestinal microflora.

Goat's milk, rich in calcium and vitamin A, is good for bones and teeth. This product improves metabolic processes, normalizes the functioning of all organs and systems, and has a positive effect on potency. In addition, it is an excellent sedative that allows you to fall asleep quickly. This product also reduces the degree of intoxication and breaks down alcohol into safe acetic acid. Goat milk has a diuretic effect. It quickly removes harmful toxins from the body. It is recommended to drink it in case of any poisoning.

True, with age, many people develop lactase deficiency. It’s just how a person is designed that he needs milk only in childhood. With age, the small intestine often stops producing the enzyme (lactase) that breaks down milk carbohydrates, that is, milk sugar. With lactase deficiency, bloating and flatulence are observed.

You can switch to lactose-free goat products or yoghurts, sour cream, and cheeses. However, it should be remembered that lactase deficiency is not an allergy. People can only have an allergic reaction to proteins, but not to carbohydrates. Only one percent of people suffer from an allergy to goat's milk; with this disease, you can't drink it at all.

For children

Goat's milk is more easily absorbed by the child's body; its composition, thanks to the protein albumin, is close to breast milk. In addition, it does not cause digestive upset. This product is given even to newborns with their imperfect digestive system. True, before use it is boiled and diluted with water.

The benefits are obvious. After all, goat milk contains all the necessary substances for the normal growth and development of an infant. Porridge and various dishes for baby food are prepared on it. Goat meat is less likely to cause allergies in infants. It is absorbed by the child's body in just 30 minutes.

True, the famous pediatrician Komarovsky recommends giving this milk to children only starting from 1 year, and sometimes from 3 years. There are also mixtures based on goat milk. This product is easily digested even by the infant’s digestive tract.

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In any case, all the advantages are on the side of goat milk. It is better to give cow's milk to older children, because it contains more iron and other minerals and vitamins. Cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, even butter are made from goat milk for children. This product rarely causes obesity, allergies and stomach problems.

Recipe for cottage cheese made from fresh cow's milk and sour cream

Curd made from sour milk

  • For those who are not afraid of difficulties and love to pamper their household with not only tasty, but also healthy dishes, we offer a classic method of preparing cottage cheese
  • For this you will need high-quality sour milk. It can be fermented naturally (put it in a warm place and wait 36-48 hours)
  • If you can’t wait, then add a special starter to it. In this case, you will need to boil the milk, add lactic acid bacteria to it and wait until they do their job
  • This usually takes at least 4 hours. After the milk thickens and a layer of sour cream appears on top (it will differ in color from the rest of the mass), you can start preparing the milk

Cottage cheese recipe: • Carefully remove the sour cream from the milk • Pour the remaining mass into a large saucepan (the milk will rise slightly when heated) • Place the saucepan on the stove and turn on the lowest temperature • After about 15-20 minutes you will see that the milk proteins have begun to separate from whey • Remove the pan from the stove and leave the mixture to cool • After about 3 hours, strain everything through cheesecloth (it should be folded in several layers) • Tie the corners of the gauze together and hang it over an empty bowl • When the excess liquid is completely gone, you can untie bundle and eat homemade cottage cheese

  • Although it is believed that delicious homemade cottage cheese can be made exclusively from sour milk, there are recipes that speed up this process as much as possible
  • If you know some tricks, this wave dish can be prepared quite quickly. The main thing is to make sure that you are sold fresh and high-quality milk.
  • If you decide to prepare cottage cheese according to our recipe, then in addition to milk you will also need sour cream. It will be better if all the ingredients for the cottage cheese are, as they say, straight from under the cow. In this case, the final product will be more tender and healthy.

Recipe for homemade cottage cheese from fresh milk: • Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it to a boil • Turn off the stove and add sour cream to it (add it at the rate of 50 g of sour cream for every 200 ml of milk) • Mix everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil again (it is very important to heat the milk very slowly) • When you see that the flakes have begun to separate, turn off the heat and strain the cheese mass through a fine sieve • After the whey has drained, the product is ready for use

Cottage cheese from powdered milk

  • Probably not a single modern housewife would think of making homemade cottage cheese from powdered milk. Due to the fact that now you can find whatever your heart desires in stores, we began to forget some easy and simple recipes.
  • And once upon a time our grandmothers had to experiment and cook healthy food from what was in the house
  • Very often they used powdered milk to make cottage cheese. No matter how funny it may sound, there were times when it was easier to get than a fresh and natural product

Unlike cow's milk, goat's milk does not contain alpha-casein, which often causes allergic reactions.

In addition, goat milk benefits in the following indicators:

  • its fats are better broken down in the stomach;
  • proteins are absorbed faster;
  • it contains more calcium and potassium.

The disadvantages of the drink include:

  • cost - can be 3-4 times higher than that of a cow;
  • inaccessibility – the range of products is small, and you can’t find it in every store;
  • taste and aroma that takes some getting used to.

Is there lactose

Goat's milk compares favorably with cow's milk in that the lactose content in it is 13% lower. This indicator can be decisive if you are intolerant to milk sugar.

To minimize the risk of unpleasant sensations, I advise you to choose fermented products from this drink - yoghurts, cheeses, kefir - since when lactic acid is produced, the amount of lactose is significantly reduced.

Fat content

The fat content of goat's milk is the same as that of cow's milk. For a village product that has not undergone additional processing, it can reach 9%. It is believed that a 4% drink is best suited for regular consumption, and when used in a diet menu, you should choose a low-fat version.

How it is used in folk medicine

Hippocrates wrote about the medicinal properties of goat milk many centuries ago. He prescribed this product to patients from 20 diseases. The great doctor of antiquity used it to treat stomach, blood diseases, heart, and colds. Goat's, or rather goat's, milk has been used throughout the centuries as a means to prevent and treat tuberculosis. It helped with rickets, exhaustion, and cancer. This product has long been taken for quick recovery from illness.

In the villages, goats were bred to provide the family with milk and the beneficial vitamins and minerals it contained all year round. In winter, it saved people from colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. In the spring - it replenishes the supply of vitamins. In the summer it gave strength to do heavy agricultural work.

Goat milk is still used for treatment today. It is drunk for radiculitis, arthritis, arthrosis. Used for colds, anemia, exhaustion, injuries and bone diseases. This product also soothes the stomach; it is always drunk for any problems with the gastrointestinal tract, especially gastritis and ulcers. Goat milk has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart, improves the condition of the blood and blood vessels.

Recommendations for use

General recommendations:

  • It is useful to drink goat milk fresh, that is, some time after milking, filtering and keeping in a cold place. Doctors recommend that exhausted people and those suffering from tuberculosis drink fresh milk immediately after the milking process;

It is best to drink the drink in the evening, two hours before bedtime, instead of dinner in any quantity. Vitamins and microelements will be most fully absorbed during a night's rest; for variety, can be combined with dates, fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), honey;

for diseases of the respiratory system, it is recommended to add seven to ten drops of propolis alcohol tincture per glass.

But you can drink this wonderful drink raw, obtained only from your own animals. Goats must be healthy, provided with adequate nutrition (ecologically friendly fresh grass in the summer and hay from it in the winter), and kept clean.

The attitude of owners towards their animals is also important. With loving and careful care, goats produce tastier milk than when treated as a consumer.

If milk is purchased from unknown producers, it must be boiled before use. But even in this case, the drink will be hypoallergenic and very beneficial for the body.

Goat milk for weight loss

This is an excellent product for dietary nutrition. As you know, to lose weight, you just need to eat less. This is the whole problem. The stomach constantly growls and demands food. Fatty, oddly enough, goat's milk comes to the rescue.

Just one glass of it causes a feeling of fullness and a reluctance to eat for several hours. After all, an increased fat content inhibits gastric secretion and slows down the evacuation of food from the stomach. The fattier the milk, the less gastric juice is released to digest it. This means that it stays in the stomach longer. The value of skim milk in this regard is reduced to zero.

Recipe

The quality of goat milk butter prepared at home will be no worse, and often it turns out to be much better than store-bought butter. In addition, not everything that is on the shelves in supermarkets today is such. But there is no doubt about the product, which will be made by caring hands. Moreover, we will prepare it from whole milk of domestic goats.

Collecting the cream

So, in order to get cream, we need whole milk:

  • pour it into any glass container and put it in the refrigerator;
  • after 5-6 hours, the fattest part should rise to the top - this will be the cream, carefully collect it with a spoon and put it in a separate bowl, store it in the same refrigerator;
    On a note! The fattier the milk, the more cream you can collect from it. On average, the ratio is as follows: from one three-liter can of milk, half a liter of cream!
  • We collect the cream every 5-6 hours - this can be done for several days.

It is more convenient and, of course, faster to use a separator to collect cream. This device easily distills milk, dividing it into fat and skim parts, which significantly speeds up the entire preparation process. Just don’t forget to warm the milk to a temperature of 35° first. This is quite enough. We run the warm milk and adjust it so that the output is one part cream and ten parts skim milk.

Recommendation! At this stage, it is advisable to salt the collected cream to taste and add a little saffron - the last step will give the butter a yellowish tint!

Now the cream needs to “ripen”. We leave them for a day at room temperature, or just on the windowsill. Then we put them in the refrigerator and wait a couple more days.

Whip the butter

We collected the cream, added salt, colored it a little if desired, and let it “ripen” enough. Now you need to beat them well. To do this, you can use a mixer, a butter mill, an immersion blender, or your own hands.

Important! Before whipping the cream, it must be cooled to approximately 8°C! But don’t overdo it, because if their temperature is lower, they will take much longer to whip!

  • When whipping cream by hand, fill the glass bottle halfway, seal it tightly and shake vigorously until the fatty grains become noticeable. With a blender and mixer everything is much easier and faster.
  • During the whipping process, the cream will gradually rise, turning into a dense foam. And if you are using a creamery, this is when you should add a few ice cubes.
  • With further beating, you will notice how fatty grains are formed and gradually come together, forming increasingly larger clots.
  • When the latter become large enough, they need to be collected (you can simply use your hands) and rinsed in a bowl of water. At the same time, monitor the temperature - the water should not just be cold, but ice-cold. We rinse the oil and knead it thoroughly with our fingers, as if squeezing out excess liquid from the mass. Don’t forget to change the water several times during the process. The fourth or fifth water will already be almost transparent - this is an indication that you have completely purified oil in your hands.

On a note! The fat-free liquid that remains after the butter lumps are collected is called buttermilk. Don’t rush to throw it away, as it tastes good, is healthy and easy to drink. In addition, it can be used to make dough or pancakes!

Place the collected and washed butter in a mold and put it in the refrigerator. Don’t forget that you can vary its taste at your own discretion - add various spices to it to get a more piquant aroma, or sweeteners.

Be sure to try making this oil! Believe me, the taste of this product fully justifies all the efforts!

All materials on the Priroda-Znaet.ru website are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any product, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!

Use in cosmetology

Goat milk turns out to help with acne. True, it is advisable to use a sour product - wash your face with it. Lactic acid “acidifies” the surface of the skin, which is very beneficial for its condition. Indeed, with acne, on the contrary, the pH shifts to the alkaline side.

You can wash your face with milk at any age. This product smoothes out wrinkles, makes the skin whiter, radiant, healthy, and clean. It is recommended to rinse your hair after washing with goat's milk, not cow's milk. This is the best remedy for dandruff, flaking, and dryness.

Harm and contraindications

Goat's milk doesn't have many disadvantages compared to cow's milk. True, there are a number of contraindications. This product is prohibited for use by people with liver and pancreas diseases. Fats can put additional stress on these organs. It is better to dilute the product with water, that is, reduce the fat content. Goat's milk should not be consumed if you have allergies. If you have lactase deficiency, you can drink fermented milk products or take pharmacy lactase.

What are the benefits of goat milk for women's health?

The product is very important for women, especially during pregnancy and for improving lactation. It is used to prepare a facial serum that promotes skin rejuvenation. The serum is available for sale in ready-made form. The finished serum makes the skin elastic and healthy. Whey from milk is used in cooking to make baked goods. Whey is especially popular in cosmetology, because the properties of goat milk are varied. It is very useful because it contains all the beneficial substances, but is less fatty, so whey is also used for weight loss. The serum is also used for hair, because the benefits of goat milk have been known since ancient times. It is good for women because it lowers cholesterol and removes toxins from the body.

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Rules for selecting and storing goat milk

It is advisable to buy goat milk in the store. In this case, attention should be paid to the expiration date. You can buy fresh milk at the market. However, it is recommended to boil it before use. Boiled milk can be stored in the refrigerator for about 7 days or in the freezer for up to 30 days.

It is used to prepare milk porridges, baked goods, pancakes or pancakes. Fresh milk can be drunk without boiling, but only if it comes from a 100% healthy goat. It is better to get a pet to get this product. True, this recommendation is useful only to residents of rural areas.

Use of milk for medicinal purposes

Traditional medicine offers many ways to use goat's milk for the treatment of various pathologies, as well as as a preventive measure. It is known that regular intake of milk on an empty stomach helps to normalize digestion and improve metabolism. Goat milk treats various colds, infectious and viral diseases, but its benefits do not end there:

  • A decoction of oats with goat milk treats coughs and relieves fever. You need to drink the decoction warm on an empty stomach or before bed;
  • Goat milk with honey treats respiratory diseases, in particular bronchitis. You can drink it in 250 ml. 2-3 times a day. For a child, 1 cup of milk with honey at night is enough, for men and women more is possible;
  • for hypertension, it is recommended to drink 200 ml of fresh milk with honey and chopped nuts. for 1-2 months on an empty stomach every morning, you can boil it;
  • fresh milk helps restore the body after a heart attack and stroke, lowers cholesterol;
  • milk with garlic juice helps fight helminthiasis, as well as fibroids in women and helps restore the liver;
  • substances contained in goat milk prevent the accumulation of fats in the liver and also remove bad cholesterol.


Cottage cheese, cheese, sour cream are made from goat milk

Goat milk is an unusually healthy product from which cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and also cosmetics are made. The benefits of goat milk make it an indispensable product in the diet of adults and children.

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