Camel Milk

Camel milk has been part of the traditional diet of some nomadic populations throughout history. Recently, it has attracted attention as a healthy food in more developed countries.

Studies show that this milk is better tolerated by people with lactose intolerance and allergies to cow's milk. It can lower blood sugar, boost immunity and help certain behavioral disorders associated with impaired neurological functions, such as autism.

It is significantly more expensive than other types. It is often unpasteurized, which poses a health risk. If you want to try camel's milk, but can't find it at a nearby store, you can buy it online in powder or frozen form.

You can find out about all the health benefits, disadvantages and contraindications of consuming camel's milk below in the article.

Composition and useful properties

Camel milk is rich in many nutrients that are important for the overall health of the body.

When it comes to calories, protein and carbohydrates, it is comparable to whole cow's milk. However, it contains less saturated fat and offers more vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron and potassium. It is also a good source of healthy fats, as well as long-chain fatty acids, linoleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids, which maintain brain and heart health.

• 50 calories;
• 3 grams of protein;
• 3 grams of fat;
• 5 grams of carbohydrates;
• 29% thiamine *;
• 8% riboflavin *;
• 16% calcium *;
• 6% sodium *;
• 5% calcium *;

Percentages of the Permissible Daily Dose *

Lactose intolerance is a common condition caused by a deficiency of lactase - the enzyme needed to absorb sugar in dairy products, known as lactose. Its absence can cause bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

Camel milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, which makes it more suitable and tolerable for digestion than many people who have lactose intolerance. A study of 25 people with this condition found that only 2 participants showed a mild reaction after taking 1 glass (250 milliliters) of camel's milk, while the other 23 people were not affected.

Camel milk also contains different amounts of cow's protein and appears to be better tolerated by people who are allergic to cow's milk. A study of 35 children aged 4 months to 10.5 years with a cow's milk allergy found that only 20% of them were sensitive to camel's milk.

It has been used for hundreds of years as a cure for rotavirus diarrhea. Studies show that it contains antibodies that help treat this disease, which often affects children.

Camel's milk has been shown to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Milk contains insulin-like proteins that may be responsible for its antidiabetic activity. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Studies show that this milk provides the equivalent of 52 units of insulin with an intake of about 1 liter (4 cups) of it. It also contains a high amount of zinc, which can help improve insulin sensitivity.

In a two-month study among 20 adults with type 2 diabetes, insulin sensitivity improved in those who took 2 glasses (500 milliliters) of camel's milk a day, but not in the group that took cow's milk.

Another study in adults with type 1 diabetes who took 2 glasses (500 milliliters) of camel's milk each day in addition to diet, exercise and insulin treatment found lower blood sugar and insulin levels than those who did not. took the product.

Numerous studies have found that 2 glasses (500 milliliters) of camel's milk a day is the recommended dose to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Camel milk contains compounds that fight various pathogens. The two main active ingredients in milk are lactoferrin and immunoglobulins - the proteins that give it immunostimulatory properties.

Lactoferrin has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It inhibits the growth of E. coli, K. pheumoniae, Clostridium, H. pylori, S. aureus and C. albicans - organisms that can cause serious diseases.

Moreover, a study conducted in rats found that camel's milk protects against leukopenia (low white blood cell count) and other side effects of cyclophosphamide (a toxic anticancer drug). These results support the properties of camel's milk to strengthen the body's immune defenses.

Additional research shows that camel whey protein is responsible for the ability of milk to fight pests. Its antioxidant properties help the body fight the damage caused by free radicals.

Research has found that camel's milk can improve autistic behavior in children. This study used cow's milk as a placebo and noted that many participants had lactose intolerance or milk allergy.

Another study in 65 children with autism aged 2 to 12 years noted that drinking camel's milk for 2 weeks significantly improved the symptoms of autistic behavior that were not seen in the placebo group.

Although research is very promising, replacing standard methods of treating autism with camel's milk is not recommended. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration warns parents that these allegations are unfounded and lack sufficient scientific evidence.

Camel milk can almost always replace other types of milk. It can be taken alone or added to tea, coffee, smoothies, pastries, sauces, soups, pasta, pancakes, waffles and more.

Small differences in taste are possible depending on the origin of the milk. American camel's milk has a sweet and slightly salty taste, while that from the Middle East has a more nutty and smoky taste.

Camel milk products, such as soft cheese, yoghurt and butter, are not widely available due to processing challenges due to its composition.

Disadvantages and contraindications

Camel milk is significantly more expensive than cow's milk.

Like all mammals, camels usually produce milk only after giving birth, and their pregnancy lasts 13 months. This can pose production time challenges. In places where camel's milk is gaining interest, demand exceeds supply.

Camels also produce far less than cows - about 1.5 gallons (6 liters) of milk per day per camel, compared to 6 gallons (24 liters) per cow.

In the United States, where camel milking operations are new, there are only a few thousand camels. The Food and Drug Administration also significantly restricts imports of camel's milk to the United States, raising the price of consumer products.

Traditionally, camel's milk is consumed raw, without heat treatment or pasteurization. Many health professionals do not recommend the consumption of raw milk in general due to the high risk of food poisoning.

Moreover, the organisms in raw milk can cause infections, kidney failure and even death. This risk is particularly relevant for high-risk populations, such as pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with low immune protection.

In particular, camel's milk has been found to contain organisms that cause Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, tuberculosis and brucellosis (Mediterranean fever), which are highly contagious infections transmitted from unpasteurized dairy products in humans.

Camel milk has been consumed in many Eastern cultures throughout history, but has only recently become a commercialized food trend in Western countries. This means that camels are imported to areas where they do not traditionally live. In the United States, for example, farms are being set up to produce milk on a larger scale.

Many people argue that it is not necessary to drink milk from other mammals and that this exploits animals, including cows, goats and camels. Many camel farmers report that the animals are not well adapted to machine milking and that selective breeding is needed to boost milk production and improve the ease of milking. Therefore, some people avoid consuming camel and other types of milk of animal origin.