THE DEBATE rages on the local media concerning the merits and demerits of drinking milk in general but, more specifically, cow's milk. And, as usual, those against milk drinking have had the upper hand in the exchanges.
But, even as Gleaner (and radio) health commentator, Dr. Anthony Vendryes, warned of what he called "udder danger" and his 10 things wrong with cow's milk, Jamaicans are consuming the frothy golden goodness at a per capita consumption rate of 156 millilitres per day. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that each person consume 200 millilitres each day.
Cow's milk per se is not the problem, according to Jordan S. Rubin, author of the best-seller The Maker's Diet. "The biggest problem with cow's milk is our habits of 'tinkering' with dairy animals and their milk products to make them better." He said the milk we receive in such high quantities is very low in nutrients, especially compared to the recommended high nutritious milk produced by grass-fed cows and other animals.
BETTER RESULTS
Many people, though, find that they attain better results by consuming goat's milk rather than cow's milk. The Maker's Diet is the primary source of the health benefits set out below that are attributed to the consumption of goat's milk.
Goat's milk is less allergenic. (It does not contain the complex proteins that stimulate allergic reactions to cow's milk).
Goat's milk does not suppress the immune system.
Goat's milk is easier to digest than cow's milk (An old statistic showed that goat's milk will digest in a baby's stomach in 20 minutes, whereas pasteurised cow's milk takes eight hours. The difference is in the structure of the milk).
Goat's milk has more acid buffering capacity than over-the- counter antacids, soy infant formula and cow's milk, according to a USDA & Prairie View A&M University study.
Goat's milk alkalinises the digestive system. It actually contains an alkaline ash, and it does not produce acid in the intestinal system. Goat's milk helps to increase the pH of the blood stream because it is the dairy product highest in the amino acid L-glutamine.
Goat's milk contains twice the healthful medium-chain fatty acids, such as capric and caprylic acids, which are highly antimicrobial.
MUCUS
Goat's milk does not produce mucus; it does not stimulate a defence response from the human immune system.
Goat's milk is a rich source of the trace mineral selenium, a necessary nutrient, known for its immune modulation and antioxidant properties.
When consuming milk or yogurt first choice should be from goat's milk sources.
The Bible endorses the drinking of goat's milk when it says in Proverbs 27:27.
"You shall have enough goat's milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants."
- Claude Wilson, Outlook Writer
