Mooove over dairy, there’s an impressive alternative that ticks all the boxes. From its anti-inflammatory properties to a powerful nutritional profile, goat’s milk is changing the game.
Yoghurt has long been hailed for its probiotic benefits and culinary prowess, but it’s not all about dairy. Beyond its unique taste, goat's milk yogurt offers several health benefits, not to mention the solution it poses to the gut-bubbling effects of dairy. Let’s dive into a few reasons you should try this alternative
Digestive Friendliness
One of the most significant advantages of goat's milk yoghurt is its digestibility. Those of you who struggle with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies may find goat's milk yoghurt to be gentler option, and just goat's milk products in general - no longer must you miss out on the fun! This is because goat’s milk contains lower levels of lactose and different proteins compared to cow's milk, making goat's milk it easier on the stomach and less likely to cause digestive discomfort.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Goats milk yoghurt has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce our risk for heart disease, autoimmune disorders and all manner of chronic disease. It contains a unique fatty acid profile and bioactive compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Here’s how they help:
Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): Goat's milk yogurt, when fermented with beneficial bacteria, can produce SCFAs like butyrate. SCFAs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in the gut and may help reduce inflammation associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Lactoferrin: Goat's milk contains lactoferrin, a protein with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lactoferrin may help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Bioactive Peptides: During fermentation, goat's milk yogurt may generate bioactive peptides that possess anti-inflammatory properties. These peptides can help regulate immune responses and contribute to the reduction of inflammation in the body.
Higher Vitamin K2 Content
Vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in bone health and calcium metabolism. Goat's milk yoghurt contains higher levels of vitamin K2 compared to cow's milk yogurt. This vitamin helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth while preventing its accumulation in the arteries, reducing the risk of arterial calcification and heart disease. It activates the proteins in our body that are responsible for building and metabolising our bones as they draw calcium in. Research shows that vitamin K2 slows bone-density loss in the ageing process, along with finding it may reduce the risk some fractures by around 60%.
Lower Allergenic Potential
For individuals with dairy allergies, goat's milk yoghurt may offer a suitable alternative. While not entirely devoid of allergenic proteins, goat's milk contains a different protein structure, which some people find less allergenic. However, it's essential to note that individuals with severe dairy allergies should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before introducing goat's milk yoghurt into their diet.
Probiotic Benefits
Like dairy yogurt, goat's milk yoghurt can be a source of beneficial probiotics. These live microorganisms support gut health, aid digestion, and may even have a positive impact on the immune system. Be sure to choose goat's milk yoghurt with active cultures to reap these probiotic benefits – take a look at some of the strains most commonly associated with goat’s milk yoghurt:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This is one of the most well-known and widely used probiotic strains. It's known for its ability to support digestive health and may help with lactose digestion.
- Lactobacillus casei: This strain is known for its potential to boost the immune system and promote gut health. It's often found in dairy and fermented products.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus: This probiotic strain is associated with maintaining gut balance and may help with conditions like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Bifidobacterium bifidum: Bifidobacteria are known to promote a balanced gut microbiome. This strain, in particular, can support digestive health and may help reduce inflammation.
- Streptococcus thermophilus: While primarily used as a starter culture in yogurt fermentation, this bacterium can contribute to the overall probiotic content.
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus: Like S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus is used in yogurt fermentation. While it doesn't survive in the gut as a probiotic, it helps create the acidic environment needed for other probiotics to thrive.
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piero
January 30, 2024
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