You’ve probably noticed that I use goat cheese in a lot of my recipes. I can’t technically call them dairy-free but they are a cow’s dairy alternative that might be of help to you if you have trouble digesting cow’s dairy (cheese, milk, sour cream, etc.). The majority of people who consume cow’s dairy experience uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Since our ability to digest lactose decreases with age, at some point in time, all people are or will be lactose-intolerant.
So, how is goat’s dairy different? It’s all in the structure of the fat, making it more digestible, naturally homogenized, and containing more nutrients than cow’s milk. Cow’s milk has a harder curd with large fat globules. Goat’s milk has a softer curd with smaller fat globules; this combination results in greater digestibility.
I discovered many years ago that goat’s cheese was for me, although I have to admit I’ve never tried goat’s milk. I’m not a milk fan in general, so it’s not something I’ve bothered with, but whether it’s goat’s milk, yogurt, or cheese, please consider the many options and health benefits of goat dairy products!
I discovered many years ago that goat’s cheese was for me, although I have to admit I’ve never tried goat’s milk. I’m not a milk fan in general, so it’s not something I’ve bothered with, but whether it’s goat’s milk, yogurt, or cheese, please consider the many options and health benefits of goat dairy products!
1. Goat’s milk is considered the “superior alternative” for children and adults when compared with cow’s milk. Globally, goat’s milk is consumed far more than cow’s milk and has a long history of health benefits. It was revered in Egypt and Greek mythology and is used in France, China and much of Europe. Goat’s dairy has been used to treat many conditions such as weakened and convalescent conditions, anemia, malnutrition, emaciation, stomach ulcers, nervous exhaustion, loss of energy, constipation, and diarrhea.
2. Goat’s dairy is a great alternative to organic cow’s dairy because goats are generally cleaner and healthier than cows, which means less antibiotics and drugs in their system.
3. Mucus is not as much of an issue with goat’s dairy. When you’re sick, it’s recommended that you avoid dairy because of its mucus-forming properties, however, goat’s dairy has a unique astringency that prevents (most) mucus formation.
4. Goat’s milk is used to normalize body weight for both under- and over-weight individuals.
5. Fluorine: it builds immunity, strengthens immunity and protects teeth. It is also ten times (10X!) more available in goat’s dairy than cow’s dairy. (Unfortunately, this is lost during pasteurization, so there’s something to be said for raw goat dairy products.)
2. Goat’s dairy is a great alternative to organic cow’s dairy because goats are generally cleaner and healthier than cows, which means less antibiotics and drugs in their system.
3. Mucus is not as much of an issue with goat’s dairy. When you’re sick, it’s recommended that you avoid dairy because of its mucus-forming properties, however, goat’s dairy has a unique astringency that prevents (most) mucus formation.
4. Goat’s milk is used to normalize body weight for both under- and over-weight individuals.
5. Fluorine: it builds immunity, strengthens immunity and protects teeth. It is also ten times (10X!) more available in goat’s dairy than cow’s dairy. (Unfortunately, this is lost during pasteurization, so there’s something to be said for raw goat dairy products.)
Ready to try it? Goat’s cheese is not just chevre. There very firm to soft and creamy types of cheese. Mozzarella, Cheddar, Sharp, and flavored chevre are just some of the options that I choose. In case you’re unsure, try this goat’s chevre cheesecake and tell me if you have any doubt how wonderful goat’s cheese can be!
References
Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books: Berkeley, CA.
Murray, M. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. Atria Books: New York, NY.