Camel milk can be a new term for many, but our ancestors have known about its incredible health benefits since time immemorial. This milk has served as an essential source of nutrition to nomads. With the growing awareness about the benefits of this milk, it is commercially manufactured and sold in several nations too.
You can find it online in frozen as well as powdered versions. But you may be wondering what is so special about this milk that makes it superior than cow milk. This post will give you a detailed explanation about nutrition, health benefits, and side effects of drinking Camel milk.
Important Facts About Camel Milk
Here are some important facts regarding consumption of Camel milk.
- Camel milk has low fat level that ranges between 1.5% to 2.5%. It is about half of the total fat content in cow’s milk. Due to which, this low fat and low cholesterol food makes it therapeutic for people who suffers from heart ailments.
- Camel milk has very low levels of lactose that makes it easy to digest. However, if you have inherent tolerance towards lactose, then you should stick to cow’s milk.
- Camel milk has plenty of antioxidants that provides three times more vitamin C than cow’s milk. This antioxidant-rich milk will lower your chances of suffering from a wide range of diseases and infections.
- Camel milk is loaded with protein. It is higher than what you get from cow’s milk. If you are a fitness freak, who is looking for low fat and protein rich food, then Camel milk makes a better choice.
- Camel milk boosts immunity levels in your body. It is seen as a useful way to defend yourself from any kind of autoimmune disorders. This milk aids in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of health issues that includes cancer, allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, and heart disease.
How is Camel Milk superior than Goat milk or Cow milk?
To begin with, we will first see the nutritional composition of both types of milk.
Camel milk provides five grams of protein in every serving that comes to about ten percentage of the recommended daily consumption of protein. It provides only 110 calories, along with several vital nutrients such as:
- Potassium
- Folate
- Calcium
- Thiamin
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Thiamine: 29% of the DV (Daily Value)
- Calcium: 16% of the DV
- Riboflavin: 8% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 6% of the DV
- Potassium: 6% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 5% of the DV
Comparison between Camel milk and Goat milk
Goat milk is less in iron, calcium, carbs, sodium, cholesterol, protein, vitamin A, and iron than Camel milk. Though it makes goat milk a good option for obese or those who are advised a low-fat diet, but you will certainly lose on several important nutrients that are required for the sound development of your body. So, looking at the difference in nutritional composition, Camel milk has an edge over goat milk.
Advantages of Camel Milk
Camel milk is packed with an abundance of nutrition that help you meet you daily dietary goals. We are here going to see some of the noteworthy benefits of consuming this milk.
1. Camel Milk is suitable for people with lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is one of the common types of condition caused due to lack of “lactase, enzyme”. This enzyme is required to metabolize lactose (a form of sugar) in dairy product. Inability to digest lactose effectively leads to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating, upon consumption of dairy items. Camel milk has low levels of lactose as compared to cow’s milk. This makes it a lot tolerable for people who suffer from lactose intolerance.
A few people showed allergy and lactose intolerance towards cow’s milk. So, when they drink this milk, it causes them varied types of discomforting conditions in the body. As Camel milk is easy to digest, it doesn’t cause any lactose intolerance and milk allergy to a person.
2. No Casein allergy
To understand it, you need to first understand what is casein allergy. Casein is a type of protein that is present in almost all types of dairy products. Casein allergy happens due to the presence of the lactoglobulin, and A1 casein protein that are the key components present in cow’s milk.
The immunity system of a person accidentally thinks casein to be a harmful substance. To destroy it, the system produces allergic antibodies to fight against the substance. Such interaction between the casein and antibodies initiates the release of chemicals like histamine. This is the mechanism behind causing casein allergy in a person.
People who suffer from this type of allergy experiences following types of signs –
- Skin reactions in the form of rashes, hives and itchiness on the skin
- Swelling of the throat, lips, mouth, face, and tongue,
- Sneezing, irritated eyes, runny nose, puffiness, nasal congestion and coughing
- Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that happen very quickly
However, both these ingredients, ?-s1-casein and lactoglobulin are not present in Camel milk that makes it very much suitable for people. In this way, if you drink Camel milk, you are not going to suffer from any side effects resulting from casein allergy.
3. Loaded with nutrition
One of the important benefits of Camel milk is that it is a powerhouse of nutrients that contributes to the overall health of a person. In terms of calorie, carb content, and protein, Camel milk is superior than cow’s milk. It also has low saturated fat (unhealthy fat) that makes it beneficial than cow’s milk.
One cup of Camel milk offers more amount of vitamin C, calcium, B vitamins, potassium and iron than cow’s milk. Camel milk is a rich source of linoleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, and long-chain fatty acids that are considered as healthy fats. It helps in assisting heart as well as brain health. Camel milk exhibits a different “protein profile” that makes it better tolerated by people who are allergic to cow’s milk
4. Effective remedy for diarrheal disease
This super food is benefit for the treatment of diarrhea that is caused due to rotavirus. It is seen to be common in children. As per the research, this milk contains various antibodies that cures this diarrheal ailment effectively.
5. Boosts immunity
Camel milk has compounds that shows remarkable properties to fight against certain types of disease-causing organisms in a person. The key active components contained in Camel milk are immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and proteins. They are the reason behind its exemplary immune-boosting action.
Lactoferrin is a potent antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral, agent. It restricts the development of specific viruses such as E. coli, Clostridium, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, C. albicans, and H.pylori, that causes severe infections.
Drinking Camel milk helps in protecting a person against leukopenia, and certain effects of anticancer drug like cyclophosphamide. The whey protein and antioxidants found in Camel’s milk show ability to fight against harmful organisms. It assists the body to fight off against damage caused due to free radicals in the body. Camel milk contains immunoglobulins, whey protein, and lactoferrin, that strengthen the immunity power of a person.
6. Aids in brain disorders
Camel milk is also helpful in treating certain kinds of neurodevelopmental and behavioral conditions that can cause repetitive behaviors and impair their social interactions. This milk contains ingredients that efficiently cure autism, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Some people have identified improvements in the performance of their autistic children. Drinking it for reasonably good period (around two months) results in enhanced motor planning, better spatial awareness, improved vision, better command on language, improved sleep, and enhanced gastrointestinal function.
Camel milk helps children suffering from Autism. Regular consumption of Camel milk improves the autistic behavior in children. This milk serves as a placebo. It is noted that several children show signs of milk allergy, and lactose intolerance. Just fifteen days of drinking this milk results in significant enhancements in autistic behavior in a person.
High magnesium, vitamin E and zinc, in Camel milk enhances production of glutathione in the body. It reduces oxidative stress in autistic people. Magnesium is well-known for its remarkable abilities to improve absorption vitamin C and vitamin E in the body. High levels of zinc help in boosting total levels of glutathione in the body.
7. An effective treatment For diabetes
Due to low cholesterol and fat contents, Camel milk is extensively used for the treatment, prevention, and control of diabetes in the body. This milk doesn’t lead to any increase in blood sugar levels. It shows remarkable long-term glycemic control that gradually allows patients with “Type-1” diabetes to lessen insulin consumption.
8. Easy inclusion to your diet
As more and more people have becoming aware of the wonderful health benefits of Camel milk, they have started using it in the preparation of coffee, smoothies, tea, sauces, baked food items, mac, cheese, soups, waffle batters, and pancake. People like little salty, creamy, and sweet taste of Camel milk with a smoky and nutty flavor. Due to versatile nature of Camel milk, more and more people have started replacing cow’s milk by this milk.
Few Important Drawbacks of Camel Milk
Though Camel milk offers a plethora of benefits, it also has a few downsides.
1. Expensive than cow’s milk
When compared with other types of milks, Camel milk is pretty costlier. There are several reasons behind it. Camels have thirteen-month long pregnancies and produce milk only after giving birth. So, the production time of Camel milk is relatively more. As more and more people are getting interested in getting its benefits, the demand of Camel milk goes beyond its production.
Another reason that makes it expensive is that Camels produce less amounts of milk on a daily basis, compared to cow’s per day yield. Camels produce only 1.5 gallon of milk, whereas a cow can produce 6 gallons of milk daily. The operation used for milking a Camel is relatively new, and the FDA significantly restricts import of the milk to abroad. All these reasons result in increase in the price of the milk.
2. Not easily available
Products made from Camel milk such as soft cheese, butter, and yogurt, aren’t widely available. This happens due to its less production, import related restrictions and processing related challenges.
3. May not be pasteurized
The traditional way of consuming Camel milk is in raw form without performing pasteurization, or using any heat treatments. Most nomads, and people who live in desert areas are seen to consume the milk in this form. However, health professionals don’t advise to consume raw milk due to high possibilities of food poisoning. People who drink it in unpasteurized form, are prone to getting exposed to several number of animal-based pathogens.
Organisms present in raw milk increases the risk of kidney failure, infections, and death in a person. It can lead to compromised immune mechanism in pregnant women, elderly people and children. If you drink without pasteurizing it, then you may suffer from contagious infections such as tuberculosis, brucellosis that are passed from raw dairy products to living beings.
4. May pose ethical concerns
Some people believe that most of the Camel farmers employ machine milking methods that Camels are not well adapted to. Selective breeding is required to increase as well as encourage milk production in Camels that enhances the convenience of milking them. So, due to ethical reasons, some people prefer to avoid drinking Camel milk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benefits of Camel Milk
1. Is it true that Camel milk has more nutrition than cow milk?
Ans : Yes. Based on the studies conducted on this milk, it has been found that Camel milk is more nutritious than cow’s milk. Being low in saturated fats, calorie and cholesterol, and loaded with protein, carbs, B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and calcium, Camel milk is vital for overall health.
2. Is it okay for a toddler to drink Camel milk?
Ans : Camel milk is a lot similar in nutritional composition to breast milk. It has three times more protein in comparison to breast milk without causing lactose intolerance and milk related allergies. Due to this reason, it is a safe and nutritious option to feed your children, and babies.
3. What diseases can Camel milk cure?
Ans : There have been countless evidences in the past that shows Camel milk as a potent food to cure and benefit people with diabetes, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, cancer, gastroenteritis, infections, allergies, autism, AIDS, and parasites.
4. Is Camel milk safe for everyone?
Ans : Camel milk is approved by international health organization “FDA” to be safe for children as well as adults. Numerous studies have been conducted on this milk to find its impact on the body. There has been no finding obtained till date that shows any damage to the body.
Camel milk is seen to be high in protein, and vitamin content. It is low in fat content, and has plenty of minerals such as potassium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, and copper that meets your daily dietary needs.
5. Is Camel milk suitable for diabetes patient?
Ans : Camel milk is low in cholesterol and saturated fat that makes it ideal for a diabetic. Drinking this milk helps in reducing insulin and blood sugar in the body. Camel milk exhibits capability to lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar control in people suffering from Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes. This milk contains proteins that resembles like insulin. It acts as a hormone that normalizes blood sugar levels and lowers antidiabetic activity in a person.
1 liter of Camel milk provides 52 units of insulin. It is also high in zinc. Drinking this milk helps in enhancing insulin sensitivity of a person. To get the best level of benefits from it, a person should accompany it with balanced diet, regular exercise, and properly administered insulin treatment.
Conclusion
The long-term benefits of Camel milk outweigh its drawbacks. Due to which, Camel milk has become an integral part of traditional diet in most parts of the world. Its lactose intolerance, and remarkable immunity boosting properties makes it a safe and healthy inclusion in your diet. Whether you consume it in frozen or powdered form, it is a great way to maintain your mind and body in the best health.
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