Americans and milk
We’ve all heard the old slogan, “Milk, it does a body good.” The slogan first appeared in the 1980s to boost cow’s milk sales. However, is cow’s milk really “what does a body good”?
The question stands, is the popularity of cow’s milk in America really warranted? When the scope is broadened worldwide, goat’s milk is actually more readily consumed than any other milk.
There are many great explanations as to why goat’s milk is more widely sought after overall. It’s been proven goat’s milk is overall better for us. So, why do we as Americans go for cow’s milk?
The make up of goat’s milk
Although still containing lactose, many who have allergies to cow’s milk are able to consume goat’s milk. Why? Mainly, because the protein structures are different among the two.
Goat’s milk contains A2 casein where most cow’s milk contains A1 casein. The A2 casein is more closely structured to human breast milk. A2 does not cause inflammatory issues, such as IBS and colitis. Also, the globules of fat are smaller in goat’s milk, which in return makes it easier to digest, taking minutes rather than hours for our bodies to break down.
In fact, it’s readily recommended by pediatricians for children who are unable to transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk. Goat milk is also lower in calories, fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Yet, higher in calcium, fatty acids, pre-formed vitamin A (has cancer preventing properties), chlorine (natural germicide), fluorine (natural germicide), and silicon (assists in preventing diabetes).
A few of our Does
Fact or Fiction?
Goat’s milk has a reputation for being strong in flavor, although that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yes, some factors play a role in the taste, just as it does with cows. Strong goats milk can be caused by diet, the presence of a buck, and storage methods. Most goats milk is sweet, creamy, and mild in flavor. It’s best consumed fresh and preferably from a glass storage container.
Did you know goats are naturally immune to some diseases? Such as tuberculosis, it’s believed it may even cure TB due to its presence of natural antibodies. It is said in parts of Eastern Europe, goat-milk whey cost more than gold per pound.
As quoted by world-famous clinical nutritionist and chiropractic physician Bernard Jensen, PhD, DC, of Escondido, California, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), under its heading of Dietetics and Hygiene, states: “The goat is the healthiest domestic animal known. Goat milk is superior in every way to cow’s milk. Goat milk is the ideal food for babies, convalescents and invalids, especially those with weakened digestive powers. Goat milk is the purest, most healthful and most complete food known.”
What will it take for you try it?
So, the question stands, why do Americans more often than not consume milk from cows? Like so many other things we readily do, it’s because it’s instinctive. We grew up on it so, we continue to drink it whether it’s warranted or not. Until I myself became intolerant, I would have never even second guessed my choice.
Four years ago, I acquired C-Diff through the use of antibiotics. After almost a year of more and more antibiotics to treat the C-Diff, my insides were left extremely damaged. Unable to leave the house most days due to severe intestinal issues. I began to research things that may help.
Yes, I tried all the probiotics, prebiotics, Imodium, prescriptions for IBS, prescriptions for anxiety, and anything else that showed promise. Every fad diet was prescribed and tried — gluten free, FOB diet, vegan, vegetarian, and the BRAT diet. None, and I mean none, of it worked.
What was I supposed to do, live my life in the bathroom? My family already made the joke that I should have stock in Charmin. After I removed dairy from diet, a noticeable difference began to appear.
Now, three years later, my stomach has begun to recover. The introduction of goat’s milk I believe is a huge reason why, but it’s only been a few months. Am I back to normal? Oh god no! However, I can leave the house from time to time with the correct precautions now.
I believe Americans continue doing what they know, change is hard. It doesn’t help that the cost per gallon of goat’s milk is much higher and it’s harder to find. We simply got our own goats and milk them every day for our family use. Maybe one day goats will become the new normal, like in so many other countries.
Easy Milking
Sources:
- Natures Prescription Milk, by Gloria Gilbere, N.D., D.A. Hom., Ph.D.
- https://www.naturaldispensary.com/product/NDNL-0308-01/bone_support
- https://www.crohns-disease-probiotics.com/goatein/
Photos property of Carrie Miller.
Carrie Miller grew up in a small rural town in Northwest Pennsylvania, married her high school sweetheart and had two amazing children. She spends her time raising chickens, pigs, beef cows, and Oberhasli dairy goats at Miller Microfarm. She raises vegetable gardens, fruits, and berry patches while never using herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals of any kind. She spends a lot of time preserving the bounties through canning and freezing methods. She recently added bees to the farm in hopes of producing fresh honey and beeswax products.
