Most avid gym goers have heard of whey protein powder. It’s well-researched and touted for its benefits in boosting muscle gains. Not to mention, it’s incredibly convenient for us busy folks. But what about goat’s milk whey?
Most whey protein powders are made from cow’s milk but there are some surprising benefits to taking goat milk whey that make this product incredibly unique. Let’s take a deeper look.
Digestibility
One of the bigger benefits of swapping out traditional whey protein made from cow’s milk for goat milk whey is the benefits it has on digestion.
Goat milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk as it contains much smaller fat globules. These are more easily broken down by your stomach’s enzymes which is easier for your body to tolerate and use for energy more efficiently.
Goat milk also has a significantly lower lactose content making it a great option for those who suffer from lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities.
Nutritional Profile
When comparing goat milk to cow’s milk, nutritionally they are very similar however, goat milk is higher in certain nutrients such as vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Goat milk has also recently been highlighted in studies for its potential benefits in several aspects of human health due to its biologically active constituents including oligosaccharides [1].
Oligosaccharides are prebiotic fibers present in high amounts in goat milk that support the health and functioning of the good bacteria in your gut. This could help to promote improved digestion as well as immune health [2].
The protein content in both cow and goat milk whey are similar however, goat milk has a higher concentration of whey protein compared to cow’s milk. You can try this chocolate goat whey protein powder from Naked Nutrition.
Additionally, goat milk contains higher concentrations of the amino acid lysine and lower concentrations of tryptophan. Despite these differences, both cow’s milk and goat milk contain a rich amino acid profile that supports muscle growth overall [3, 4].
Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are beneficial plant compounds that help to protect your body’s cells from damage. A diet high in antioxidant foods is believed to help prevent various diseases including heart disease and certain cancers [5].
Antioxidants are also essential for post-exercise recovery as they act as anti-inflammatory agents in addition to protecting your cells from damage related to stress from intense exercise [6].
Goat milk contains a rich antioxidant profile with particularly high concentrations of several flavonoids including quercetin. Quercetin is a type of polyphenol that gives various plants their pigment and is considered one of the most potent antioxidants within the flavonoid family. In fact, some researchers estimate that the antioxidant capacity of quercetin may be up to five times more powerful than that of vitamins A and C [7, 8].
While all milk is considered an excellent source of antioxidants, goat milk whey contains significantly higher antioxidant levels compared to traditional cow’s milk whey.
One study conducted on the antioxidant and polyphenol content of different milk and dairy products found that the whey removed during cottage cheese preparation had significantly higher antioxidant levels in goat milk with an estimated 197.55mg compared to only 47.49mg in cow’s milk [9].
Immune System Support
The antioxidant content and nutritive value of goat milk provide hearty support for your immune system. The presence of bioactive compounds like oligosaccharides aids in enhancing your gut health which is closely linked with the health and functioning of your immune system. In fact, 70-80% of your immune cells are located in your gut [10].
Additionally, goat milk proteins may aid in modulating the production of cytokines which play a critical role in the immune system and inflammatory responses. This can help balance the immune system and maintain homeostasis. Goat milk is also a rich source of iron which plays an important role in the functioning and balance of the immune system as well [11].
Interestingly, goat milk protein also contains antimicrobial properties that may help prevent infection and harmful bacterial growth [11].
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Aside from the potential nutritional benefits of consuming goat milk whey over cow’s milk, there are environmental and ethical considerations when making this switch as well.
Goat milk farming may have a smaller environmental impact than cow’s milk farming, particularly when it comes to impacts on land and environmental resources. Goats are smaller animals that have a lighter impact on land, utilize less water, and require smaller-scale farms compared to cows.
Goat farming may also aid in preventing the spread of noxious weeds and promote local plant life through light grazing. All of which promote sustainability with goat dairy farming when compared to traditional [12].
It is important to note that goats emit higher levels of greenhouse gasses compared to cattle. It’s estimated that goats and sheep emit 6.5 kilograms of greenhouse gasses for every kilogram of milk produced compared to 2.8 kilograms from cows who produce larger amounts of milk due to their comparative size [13].
When it comes to ethical considerations, goat and cow dairy farming are considered comparable with no known benefits towards one or the other.
Conclusion
Several health-promoting properties in goat milk whey protein make it shine over traditional cow’s milk whey; however, both products provide significant benefits towards exercise performance and muscle growth. Which one you choose will depend on your goals and preferences. There is no wrong or right decision with either product.
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