Medically review by Kim Langdon
Every so often, a food trend sweeps the nation (or at least our little healthy living 'bubble' of a nation), and we're inevitably intrigued.
Today, we're discussing the benefits of camel's milk, and why it might become the next almond milk.
While it may be considered a delicacy, and you might not be able to source it as easily as other non-dairy alternatives, it could be worth going out of your way to snag a bottle.
We won't lie: getting your hands on a little of the good stuff isn't simple.
You can dish out a little more than pocket change online for sustainably sourced, raw camel's milk, or you can go directly to the source - book a plane ticket and get in touch with a local camel farmer!
Nomadic cultures have been drinking the stuff for hundreds of years, so while this may be new to us, there are some clear reasons why it's popular in certain regions with a substantial camel population.
Perhaps, over time, the benefits become more widely known and camel's milk will be a staple in homes all over the world - who knows?
In the meantime, it's actually a good sign that we don't find it lining our supermarket shelves, and we'll talk more about that below.
It's not like cow's milk
In fact, that's what truly sets it apart; it most closely resembles the milk that humans produce.
When we think about dairy sensitivities, human milk isn't often thought of as a major culprit because it isn't.
Thus, camel's milk can be a fantastic and nutritious alternative for those who experience issues with lactose or casein (the sugars and proteins found in cow's milk).
Camel milk can even reduce allergic reactions to other foods.
As adults, we generally don't have the need to seek the type of nutrition provided to babies by nursing mothers, but it's the chemical makeup that makes the benefits of camel's milk so convincing.
Off-the-chart nutrition
While camel's milk is lacking in lactose - and we're not complaining - it's making up for it in other ways.
Compared to other animal milks, it contains significantly more potassium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper, which are all important minerals for our bodies.
Moreover, it contains less fat and more protein than dairy from cows.
It's good for the environment
Unsurprisingly, the dairy industry isn't doing the earth a favor.
Dairy cows require a significant amount of land and grass to graze on, and the demand for dairy isn't decreasing.
While already developed countries seem like the obvious reason for this, countries on the rise like China and India are adding to the ever growing market.
Between 2005 and 2050, the projected rate of growth for dairy demand is estimated at around fifty percent, which is huge.
Manure adds to the climate crisis as emissions rise, which contributes to global warming.
Considering the large spaces of land that industrial dairy farms take up, the surrounding areas often have major air and water pollution problems.
The difference in camel farming?
First, there is far less demand. Camels are using up less land, so even in countries where camel farming is popular (and it's increasing at a high rate), the impact on the environment is far less detrimental.
Another factor is the expense.
Harvesting camel's milk costs around fifty times more than it does to harvest cow's milk, so it's not exactly economical for the farmer or the consumer.
Before its nutritional prowess was uncovered, it was mostly a convenient way of obtaining food.
Even with expected growth in the industry, it presents much less of an environmental threat.
Therefore, camel's milk is a great choice for those who want to be mindful of obtaining sustainable food from sustainable sources.
Diabetes management
Real food nutrition is undoubtedly the most effective form of natural treatment, management and even reversal of type 2 diabetes.
Camel's milk is a valuable addition to a healthy diet - like the one featured in our 7-Day Make Ahead Meal Plan - because it includes insulin or insulin-like metabolites.
Human insulin must be injected because it is inactivated by the stomach acid and other digestive juices.
Thus, it is presumed that camel milk's insulin is carried in nanoparticles that may allow for passage through the stomach and absorption into the blood stream.
Over time, foods rich with insulin-like substances that help to manage blood glucose levels can eliminate the need to use insulin to manage diabetes symptoms.
Over time, proper diet and insulin management will prevent diabetes, ensuring a healthy, long life.
Healthy aging
Our bodies naturally begin to deteriorate over time, so it's a smart idea to alter your diet as you grow and develop.
Camel milk has amazing properties that contribute to good bone and organ health, including substantial amounts of protein, compared to other milks.
This is especially good for children. In developing countries, where food can run scarce, camel's milk is a staple for children whose development is stunted due to malnutrition.
Adults have used camel's milk as a major food source during prolonged treks through the desert where food wasn't promised.
Autism treatment
The brain and its overall health is an important factor when it comes to our health.
Unfortunately, autism is something we don't have all the answers to.
The good news? Camel milk consumption can help to prevent brain-related autoimmune disease.
It contains nutritional compounds that promote optimal neurological functioning as it reduces oxidative stress, thus lessening symptoms of Autism when used over time.
Have you ever tried camel's milk? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below - we are curious!
This article was fact checked for accuracy by Dr. Kim Langdon, MD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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References
Kimberly Langdon M.D. is a retired University-trained obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She delivered over 2000 babies to mothers in a suburban Midwestern community.
Camel milk is an amazing healthcare product which anyone can use. This is one of the best blog posts I read about read about the benefits of camel milk.
Nice work