Goat’s milk is becoming more popular for various reasons. Goats need less grazing space than cows, and the milk is thought to be more easily digestible. Goat’s milk also contains more protein and essential fatty acids than cow’s milk.

Bone health

Goat’s milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for bone health. A cup of goat’s milk contains more than 30 percent of the recommended daily allowance of calcium. It is also a good source of vitamin D, which is necessary for the regulation of calcium. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakening of the bones.

Phosphorus and magnesium, which are also found in goat’s milk, play a role in bone health. Phosphorus works with calcium to provide strong bones and magnesium helps to regulate calcium.

Goat’s milk also contains vitamin A, which can help to strengthen teeth and bones.

Heart health

Goat’s milk is a good source of potassium, which can help to maintain heart health. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure, therefore lowering the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Milk from goats is a rich source of fatty acids, which can help to fight heart disease.

The magnesium found in goat’s milk can also help to protect the heart.

Digestion

Goat’s milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk, as it is lower in fat and the fat molecules are smaller in size. It is also thought that the higher level of essential fatty acids make goat’s milk easier to digest than cow’s milk.

It also contains oligosaccharides, which can act as prebiotics in the intestine.

Goat’s milk may be a suitable alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. Goat’s milk does contain lactose, but it does not always cause the gas and bloating associated with lactose intolerance.

It is thought that goat’s milk can act as a natural anti-inflammatory, so those with bowel inflammation may find it easier to drink than cow’s milk.

Cancer prevention

The calcium found in goat’s milk may help to prevent certain types of cancer.

Research has found that increasing calcium intake can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50 percent.

Studies have also shown that calcium may help to protect the colon from cancer causing chemicals.

Energy production

Goat’s milk is a good source of riboflavin, which is important for the production of energy. Riboflavin attaches to the protein enzymes that allow the production of oxygen based energy.

Skin health

It is thought that drinking goat’s milk can help skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. The vitamin A found in goat’s milk can help to prevent dryness, keeping the skin soft and supple.

Skin care products and soaps made from goat’s milk are also available.

Other reasons to drink goat’s milk

Approximately 75 percent of the milk consumed worldwide is from goats. In developed countries, more people are now starting to drink goat’s milk.

As well as the health benefits offered by goat’s milk, it is also more environmentally friendly. Raising goats does not require as much food and space as raising cows.

Goat’s milk is more like a human mother’s milk than cow’s milk, which may be why it is easier to digest.

Goat’s milk can be consumed in the same way as cow’s milk. A good quality goat’s milk should have a sweet taste, sometimes slightly salty.