If you’re a dairy lover looking for a healthier alternative, it’s time to shake things up. Along with oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk, there’s a new player in the game: camel milk! It may sound a little unconventional, but this exotic drink is attracting attention for its impressive health benefits. While it may not be your typical look, a new study shows why camel milk may be the healthy switch you’ve been waiting for.
New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia shows that camel milk can provide some impressive health benefits, especially for boosting our immune system. (Also read: Worried about rectal cancer? The study recommends having a glass of milk every day )
Camel milk vs. skimmed milk: which is healthier?
A recent study published in Food Chemistry compared cow’s and camel’s milk, focusing on proteins that play a key role in immune function and digestion. While cow’s milk accounts for more than 81 percent of global dairy production, camel milk accounts for only 0.4 percent. Despite its small amount, camel milk is packed with unique proteins that can provide significant benefits for immune support and gut health.
A study found that camel milk contains 1,143 proteins in its creamy portion, while cow’s milk has only 851. Camel milk is especially rich in proteins and bioactive peptides, which can help fight harmful bacteria and potentially protect against certain diseases. While the researchers emphasize that more testing is needed, they believe that these bioactive peptides may promote a healthy gut and even reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.
“These bioactive peptides can selectively inhibit certain pathogens, promoting a healthier gut environment and potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” said study researcher Manujay Jayaman Mogitige, a PhD student at Edith Cowan University.
Health benefits of camel milk
For those with milk sensitivities, camel milk offers a potential alternative because it lacks beta-lactoglobulin, the allergy-triggering protein in cow’s milk, and contains less lactose, making it easier to digest. Compositional, camel milk is slightly different from cow’s milk. While skimmed milk has 85-87 percent water, 3.8-5.5 percent fat and 2.9-3.5 percent protein, camel milk contains 87-90 percent water, 2.15-4.90 percent protein, 1.2-4.5 percent fat and 3.5-4.5 percent lactose.
Although camel milk production ranks fifth in the world, it is attracting attention, particularly in Australia, where its semi-arid climate makes it an increasingly viable growing option. “Camel milk is gaining global attention, especially due to environmental factors. Arid and semi-arid regions are harsh for traditional cattle farming, but ideal for camels,” says Mohitge.
Who should switch to camel milk?
However, there are obstacles to overcome. While dairy cows can produce up to 28 liters of milk per day, camels usually only produce around 5 litres. Although Camel dairies are already operating in Australia, their production remains limited.
That being said, now is not the time for everyone to rush out and switch to camel milk. It is still not available in many areas and is generally more expensive than regular cow’s milk. However, for those looking for alternatives to traditional dairy, especially those with milk sensitivities, camel milk can be an intriguing option.
While it may not yet be a supermarket staple, this study highlights why camel milk deserves more attention than just its novelty. Its unique protein content and immune-boosting properties may help explain why this unconventional source of dairy products has been cherished in various cultures for centuries.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek medical advice with any medical questions.
