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Goats Milk Is Better Than Cows Milk

Every person in the world takes milk as his or her first nourishment.
Right after birth, babies are very much dependent on mothers milk, the best
kind of milk, to supply them with the best nutrients needed for their survival
and growth. Mammary glands of female mammals secrete this white fluid
called milk, which consists of minute globules of fat suspended in a solution
of casein, albumin, milk sugar, and inorganic salts to feed their young, says
Biology Online (2007), (as cited in ProCon.org, 2009). Milk evolved as the
primary and sole source of nutrition for all infants and they continue to
ingest it when they grow older as it is proven that drinking milk contributes
in maintaining strong immune system, supplying calcium to the bones,
encouraging the development of the brain, providing protein to the body and
many other health aspects. Human beings have grown up with a positive
association towards it from ancient age until today.
To fulfil the demand for human milk consumption, many centuries ago,
primeval men learned to domesticate species of animals for the provision of
milk, Goff (2007) says (as cited in ProCon.org, 2009). In numerous places of
the world, animals such as cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, yaks and camels
produce milk for human need. However, the two most popular sources of
milk nowadays are cow and goat. The market in America is dominated by
cows milk while 65% of the milk consumption worldwide is reported to
originate from goats milk (Cooke, 2010).

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The differences between these two milks may not be apparent and
tangible upon first inspection as Cooke (2010) suggests, but a closer look will
reveal that the two milks differ in terms of their taste, amount and content.
Many people think that goats milk tastes slightly sweeter than cows milk. In
contrast, some people may disfavour goats milk due to its strong goaty
smell and also musky tasting milk, which is produced by certain breeds of
goat. Furthermore, the availability of goats milk in the market of certain
countries is low, especially for fresh milk and its price is higher compared to
cows milk.
The benefits of goats milk are also not widely promoted in
advertisements or campaigns of the mass media as much as cows milk,
causing the public to think that cows milk is superior and beneficial. Large
producers of cows milk from countries like New Zealand and America
promote people to favour cows milk over goats milk. Despite these
arguments, goats milk is better than cows milk because it gives more
nutritional benefits to our body, has fewer side effects and matches with
human body better than cows milk.
Goats Milk Confers More Nutritional Benefits To Our Body
First and foremost, goats milk is an ideal source of milk because it
confers more nutritional benefits to our body compared to cows milk. The
content of minerals and vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, potassium
and vitamin A which sharpens our vision, in a cup of goats milk is
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approximately five percent higher than a cup of cows milk as Oaklander

(n.d.) indicates. The percentage may appear to be small, but the world
average milk consumption is 108 kg of milk per person per year (ChartsBin,
2011). Thus, the difference can be very significant in the long run. According
to Group (2011), goats milk also contains selenium, a trace mineral which is
a key essential mineral in keeping the immune system strong and
functioning normally. In addition, it also has higher levels of six out of ten
amino acids which are not synthesized and required by human body or also
known as essential amino acids.
An escalating number of goats milk consumers also report significant
health benefits such as improved digestion and reduced asthma attack,
catarrh and eczema (Harden & Hepburn, 2011). Catarrh refers to build-up of
mucus in an airway or cavity of the body and usually affects the back of the
nose, the throat or the sinuses (National Health Services, 2016) while
eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is an itchy, red rash which can appear all over
the body (National Eczema Association, n.d.).
Furthermore, habitual consumption of goats milk improves phosphorus
and calcium metabolism, zinc status and bioavailability of iron in patients of
anaemia, a disease where lack of iron leads to a decrease in the number of
haemoglobin. The improvement of Ferum (Fe) metabolism strengthens our
hepatic antioxidant defense and lowers rate of lipid peroxidation as DazCastro et al., (2012) points out. Research done by Alfrez et al., (2003) and

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Daz-Castro et al., (2009) as cited in the same journal, demonstrates that

goats milk consumption improves Zinc (Zn) bioavailability, a mineral with
antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, intake of cows milk increases rate
of lipid peroxidation which results in cell damage. In addition, consumption of
goat milk also confers good effects on the plasma lipid profile and biliary
composition, Daz-Castro et al., (2013) suggests.
Moreover, the cream of goats milk contains abundance of mediumand short-chain fatty acids which are vital for mental alertness, development
of brain, energy, and also immune function. Milk cream from grass-fed, freerange goats is rich with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a crucial compound in
treating cancer, obesity, cachexia, atherosclerosis, as well as swine flu. CLA
also helps to improve athletic performance (Stout, 2012). In contrast, cows
milk contains less CLA.
Two studies conducted by scientists demonstrate that goats milk
oligosaccharides have anti-inflammatory effects and reduce intestinal
inflammation in mice with induced colitis. It also provides stronger
immunological and antibacterial responses than bovine milk. (Meyrand et al.,
2013).
From a report by Harden & Hepburn (2011), it can be summarized that
due to the significant nutritional benefits of goats milk on health, it is widely
used to feed starving and malnourished people in the developing countries.
Convincing increase in body weight gain and improvement in fat absorption
were observed in undernourished children fed with goats milk. According to
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The Journal of American Medical Association (as cited in Stout, 2012), Goat
milk is the purest, most healthful, and most complete food known.
All of this evidence proves that goats milk is better for our body as it
supplies more nutrients which are beneficial for our body. These nutrients
include minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, essential amino acids and fatty
acids. Goats milk also enhances the metabolism of certain minerals in the
body and is commonly fed to malnourished people. In contrast, cows milk
has either less or none of the nutrients mentioned before. In certain cases,
intake of cows milk gives adverse effects towards health.
Goats Milk Gives Less Side Effects
Another consideration for goats milk consumption is that it has fewer
side effects compared to the latter. Some of these undesirable side effects
fall under food hypersensitivity category. This includes food allergy and also
food intolerance. Goats milk contains 89% less protein allergen known as
Alpha s1 Casein compared to cows milk, so it is less allergenic. Cows milk
on the other hand, is the number one cause of allergy in kids under three
years old in the USA. Among the mild side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, skin
rashes and severe effects can be as serious as anaphylactic shock. The
blame for this allergic reaction can be put on high level of Alpha s1 Casein
found in cows milk as Cooke (2010) suggests. Harden & Hepburn (2011) also
report that cow's

milk can be considered as

the most commonly

exasperating food in gastrointestinal and cutaneous manifestations. About

2.5% of infants experience cow's milk allergy (CMA) in the first years of life.
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Positive family history of allergy and early exposure to cow's milk proteins
are the major risk factors for CMA. CMA is a complex disorder because
innumerable cow's milk proteins are potent allergens and most contain
multiple allergenic epitopes which are the parts of the allergen that is
recognized as harmful substances by our body immune system. In contrast,
goats milk rarely causes lactose intolerance due to its less content of
lactose. A recent study of infants allergic to cows milk found that almost
93% could drink goats milk with virtually no side effects (Cooke, 2010).
In addition, goats milk is slightly alkaline, unlike cows milk which is
slightly acidic, as Danelle (n.d.) indicates. In foods containing large amounts
of protein and fat, the acid-forming elements predominate over the alkalineforming elements. Thus, cow's milk and related dairy products are acidforming, but goats milk produces less acid. Our body need to maintain an
alkaline environment so that our metabolic, enzymatic, immunologic, and
repair mechanisms function at their best. Furthermore, eating foods that are
too acidic can have a negative impact on overall health according to The
Importance of an Alkaline Diet (2008).
Besides that, by consuming goats milk, intake of free radicals causing
cancer can be avoided. These harmful free radicals can be found in
processed cows milk. According to Cooke (2010), cows milk experiences a
natural separation process that is caused by a compound called agglutinin
and it will always cause the cows milk to separate into two distinct phases of

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cream on the top and skim milk on the bottom. Thus, the dairy industry
utilizes a process known as homogenization to maintain a uniform structure.
This method works by forcing the fluid milk through a tiny hole under
tremendous pressure which destroys the fat globule cell wall and
allows the milk and cream to stay homogeneous or suspended and well
mixed. The problem with such homogenization is that once the cell wall
of the fat globule has been broken, it releases a superoxide, a free
radical known as Xanthine Oxidase. Now free radicals cause a host of
problems in the body not the least of which is DNA mutations which
often lead to cancer (Cooke, 2010).
In contrast, unlike cows milk, goats milk is naturally homogenized.
Therefore, the dangers related to homogenization can be totally avoided.
From the Islamic perspective, Muslims are encouraged to consume only
the foods that confer goodness to the body. Islam is a religion that
emphasizes on safeguarding its followers from every aspects of harm. Verse
number 114 in Surah al-Nahlu says : Therefore eat of what Allah has given
you, lawful and good (things), and give thanks for Allah's favour if him do you
serve. This indicates that Muslims should avoid taking foods or drinks that
can bring detrimental effects because life and health are very precious.
Muslims should also choose the best food to be consumed in order to
cultivate a healthy and strong Muslim society.

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In short, it is advisable for us to replace our intake of cows milk with

that of goats milk as it has fewer side effects. Goats milk is the best
alternative for those with allergy towards cows milk. It also helps to maintain
alkaline internal environment of the body and avert the threats of cancer
causing radicals.
Goats Milk Matches With Human Body Better
Another equally pertinent reason why we should favour goats milk
over cows milk is it matches with human body better. In fact, goats milk is
closest in structure to human milk. It is known to contain fucosylated and
sialylated oligosaccharides, making them similar in composition to human
oligosaccharides (Meyrand et al., 2013). Therefore, goats milk may
represent an ideal source of oligosaccharides for supplementary and
therapeutic applications. At birth, the weight of a baby goat or kid is between
five and nine pounds which is about the weight of a human baby, and goat
finishes growing between 150 to 250 pounds, about the weight of an adult,
as stated by Stout (2012). Thus, it is believed that goats milk components
are more similar to breast milk, the most perfect milk for human.
According to Cooke (2010), goats milk is easier to digest. The fat
globules are smaller, which aids in digestion. The protein content is far easier
to digest and absorb, as the molecules are roughly the same size as those of
human milk. The ease of digestibility is also due to the high amount of
medium-chain fatty acids. In contrary, cows milk has bigger fat globules and
is harder to be digested.
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Furthermore, goats milk is more suitable for infants and also

grownups. It is the ideal and quintessential food for babies who are
recovering from illnesses. Besides having the ability to deliver great nonallergenic nutrition to infants and very young children, goats milk also offers
a lot of benefits for every person from teenage years all the way into
adulthood (Stout, 2012).
Apart from that, research suggests that it is easier for people with
bowel inflammation to drink goats milk, instead of cows milk as goats milk
may reduce inflammation (Group, 2011). On the other hand, the milk from
hormone-enhanced cows has higher counts of white blood cells and therefore
becomes much more inflammatory to be consumed. Goat diaries on the
other hand rely on less growth hormone or none at all.
In brief, we can deduce that goats milk is superior to cows milk
because its composition matches with human body better. It is also
uncomplicated to be digested. All classes of age gain positive outcomes from
its consumption. It is also better for those with bowel inflammation.

In conclusion, despite the popularity and wide consumption of cows

milk worldwide, we should increase our consumption of goat milk over cows
milk as it confers more nutritional benefits to our body, has fewer side effects
and matches with human body better than cows milk.

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The nutritional benefits of goats milk include higher content of

minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids. It also helps to improve
digestion and reduce asthma attack, catarrh and eczema. The habitual intake
of goats milk also improves the metabolism of ions in our body. The
abundance of fatty acids in goats milk leads to better mental alertness,
development of brain and immune system. They are also vital for treatment
of diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, goats milk
gives fewer side effects because it rarely causes lactose intolerance. It also
helps to maintain alkaline internal environment of the body. Intake of harmful
free radicals can also be avoided. In addition, goats milk matches with
human body better as its composition is similar to human milk. It is easier to
be digested and more suitable for all classes of age compared to cows milk.
There are several suggestions to cultivate a society which prefer goats
milk more than cows milk. The production of goats milk should be increased
and initiatives should be given for the breeders of goats in our country in
order to enhance the availability of fresh goats milk. More research should
have been done to improve the breeding techniques and technologies
concerning goats milk production. Another supporting action is to have
campaigns done by health institutions to raise the awareness of the benefits
of goats milk among the public.
Allah swt has mentioned milk to us, saying, "Rivers of milk the taste
whereof does not change" (Qur'an 47:15). And He said in verse 66 of Chapter

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16, "Pure milk, easy and agreeable to swallow for those who drink". The
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is said to have remarked that milk is
irreplaceable and that he himself loved milk. Rasulullah saw used to work as
a breeder of goats before he was appointed as a Prophet (Foods of the
Prophets, n.d.). Some other prophets also did the same job.
In short, it is highly recommended for us to consume more goats milk
over cows milk as goats milk is better than cows milk in many aspects. It
gives more nutritional benefits, has less side effects and matches with
human body better. Therefore, it is hoped that everyone can gain health
benefits from this wonderful Gift from God.

References
ChartsBin (2011). Current Worldwide Total Milk Consumption per capita.
Retrieved from

http://chartsbin.com/view/1491

Cooke, T. (2010). Benefits of Goat Milk vs Cow Milk. Retrieved

https://www.mtcapra.com/benefits-of-goat-milk-vs-cow-milk/
Danelle. (n.d.). Milk Showdown: Cow Vs. Sheep Vs. Goat Which Is Best?
Retrieved from

http://www.weedemandreap.com/about-me/

Foods of the Prophet (s.a.w.) (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://chishti.org/foods_of_the_prophet.htm
Group, E. (2011). Is goat milk better than cow milk? Heres a list of health
benefits. Retrieved from http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/naturalhealth/goat-milk-benefits/
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Halal and Haram Foods according to Quran. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://parsquran.com/eng/subject/halal.htm

Harden, CJ & Hepburn, NJ. (2011). The Benefits of Consuming Goats Milk.
Centre for Food
Innovation at Sheffield Hallam University. Retrieved from
http://www.sthelensfarm.co.uk/images/research.pdf
Javier Daz-Castro, Luis J. Perez-Sanchez, Mercedes Ramrez Lopez-Fras,
Inmaculada
Lopez-Aliaga, Teresa Nestares, Mara J. M. Alferez, M. Luisa Ojeda
& Margarita S. Campos. (2012). Influence of cow or goat milk
consumption on antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation during
chronic iron repletion. The British Journal of Nutrition (1-8).
Javier Daz-Castro, Mara JMAlfrez, Inmaculada Lpez-Aliaga, TeresaNestares,
Ana Snchez-Alcover and Margarita S Campos. (2013). Bile
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calcium supplementation; effects of goat or cow milk consumption.
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M. Meyrand, D.C. Dallas, H. Caillat, F. Bouvier, P. Martin, and D. Barile. (2013).
Comparison of milk oligosaccharides between goats with and without
the genetic ability to synthesize s1-casein.

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National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
National Health Services. (2016). Retrieved from
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Catarrh/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Oaklander, M. (n.d.) Retrieved from
http://www.prevention.com/content/which-healthier-goat-milk-vs-cowmilk
ProCon.org. (2009). What Is Milk? Retrieved from
http://milk.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000801
ProCon.org. (2008). What Kind of Milk Do Humans Consume? Retrieved from
http://milk.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000802
Quran, Surah al-Nahlu, verse 64, 114.
Quran, Surah Muhammad, verse 15.
Stout, JMS. (Dec 2012). Goat Milk For Grownups. Alternative Medicine 7 : 5659. Retrieved from
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547 CCPQ/20? accountid=44024
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The Importance of an Alkaline Diet. (2008). Retrieved from
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http://www.keytohealthclinic.com/alkalinediet.php

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