Secret Behind Mahatma Gandhi Used to Consume Goat’s Milk: The Benefits of Goat’s Milk
2 October (2 October Gandhi Jayanti) The whole of India will celebrate the 154th birthday of the Father of the Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ‘Mahatma Gandhi’. Mahatma Gandhi is also fondly called Bapu. Every anecdote from his life is worth teaching. In such a situation, their health related reductions can bring better changes in your lifestyle. Most of us know that Mahatma Gandhi was a pure vegetarian. He followed it all his life, and made food his own medicine.
According to a report published in NCBI, Gandhiji followed a vegetarian diet throughout his life. It is said that Gandhiji, who always emphasized on the need to eat healthy to keep the body and mind fit, also considered milk as a non-vegetarian diet. That is why he took a vow not to drink the milk of cow and buffalo. And when the doctor advised him to drink milk when his health deteriorated, Bapu consumed goat’s milk.
Why goat milk is considered nutritious
According to data , goat milk accounts for 65% to 72% of all dairy consumed globally. Goat’s milk is an important source of calories, protein and fat. In many countries, people prefer goat’s milk over cow’s milk. Goat’s milk is thicker and creamier than cow’s milk or plant-based milk. Plus, goat’s milk contains more nutrients that can provide many health benefits. A scientific research that compares goat milk with other available source of milk and concludes with evidence mineral richness of goat milk which can be an asset to support health of new born baby ( post 6 months) and mothers .
Goat milk offers a wide variety of health benefits such as better digestibility more alkalinity less αs1 casein than cow’s milk and is, therefore, less allergenic . Goat milk also has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and medicinal property . Goat milk contains a higher carotene (pro-vitamin A) having cancer-preventing properties. It is also useful in the treatment of ulcers due to its more effective acid buffering capacity . Goat milk has a stronger flavor due to the liberation of short-chain fatty acids during rough handling, which gives off a goaty smell . Unlike cow milk, which is slightly acidic, goat milk is alkaline in nature, which is very useful for people with acidity problems .
Goat milk is more digestible because of its small-sized globules, uniform protein, fat distribution, and less lactose. Modified goat milk can also be used in baby feeding . Goat milk provides a healthy and a balanced diet for the children who are allergic to cow milk, as the symptoms may disappear with goat milk consumption . Nutritional value of milk is closely related with its composition, which is highly affected by factors such as breed, feed, stage of lactation, and season . Particularly during lactation, there are significant changes in the amount and composition of goat milk . Various symptoms are reduced due to protein allergy, inability to digest lactose (particularly with lactose intolerance people) by taking goat’s milk.
The vitamin and mineral contents of goat’s milk and cow’s milk are fairly similar, though goat’s milk contains more calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium, niacin, copper, and the antioxidant selenium. Goat milk is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is also a good source of magnesium, sodium, and iron . Calcium helps to protect against colon cancer, improves blood clotting ability, and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure and to prevent muscle cramps/contractions. Goat milk is a good source of calcium, containing approximately 13% more calcium than cow’s milk. Magnesium is particularly beneficial to the heart, helping to maintain a regular heartbeat, preventing the formation of blood clots and raising good cholesterol levels. It also works with calcium and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones. Goat milk has a higher content of magnesium than cow’s milk. Phosphorus works in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D that can not only build and maintain strong bones but also plays a role in activities of the brain, kidney, heart, and blood. Goat milk has a higher phosphorous content than cow’s milk . The value of goat milk in human nutrition has so far received very little academic attention.
The Benefits of Goat’s Milk
Goat’s milk supports good health in many ways. It is also void of the negative characteristics of cow’s milk.
- Reaction to Inflammation
- Environmentally Friendly
- Supports Metabolism
- Bio-Availability
- “Smaller” Fat
- High in Fatty Acids
- Rich in Calcium
- Anti-Mucousal
- Ultra-Nourishing
- Less Toxic Than Cow’s Milk
- May Boost Immune System
1 cup of goat milk gives so much nutrition
Calorie-168, Protein – 9 grams, Fat – 10 grams, Carbohydrate – 11 grams, Fiber – 0 grams, Sugar – 11 grams in 1 cup of goat’s milk. Apart from this, goat’s milk is also rich in vitamin A and calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, which are effective in improving health.
Good for heart
Goat’s milk contains magnesium, a mineral that helps maintain a regular heartbeat. It also prevents the formation of blood clots. It also contains medium-chain fatty acids that help lower cholesterol and promote energy without being stored as body fat.
Easy to digest
Goat’s milk has less fat than cow’s milk, which makes it easier to digest. The nutrients present in goat milk also help in improving metabolism.
Aids in weight loss
Drinking goat’s milk can also help you lose weight because it is high in protein and calcium – both nutrients related to a healthy weight. Whereas protein can help curb your appetite and boost metabolism.
Prevents anemia
Goat’s milk has high bioavailability of iron. Bioavailability refers to how well your body is able to absorb a certain nutrient. Therefore, it enhances the absorption of iron and can help prevent anemia.
Fights inflammation
Compounds in goat’s milk called oligosaccharides have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat inflammatory bowel disease. One of the great things about goat’s milk is that you can enjoy the benefits of this nutrient-dense drink without the upset stomach that cow’s milk causes.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more details.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
