Camel milk: Healthier than buffalo,cow

Camel’s milk is believed to be rich in insulin-like substances and is thus known to be useful for diabetics. The anti-diabetic action of camel milk has been attributed to the camel’s choice of grazing on natural vegetation in the desert including salty herbs and medicinal plants like neem. It is believed that diabetics in Kenya and Somalia recognise this value and use it to keep a check on the disease. A study in 2005 in Bikaner,Rajasthan also showed positive effect of camel milk consumption in type 1 diabetes.

Interestingly,camel milk also has much lower cholesterol than cow’s milk. Its richness in potassium and essential fatty acids along with lower cholesterol levels may explain its protective role in coronary artery disease. Camel milk is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acid,which is known to help the skin stay young. Other properties associated with camel milk include benefits in food allergies,immune problems and aphrodisiac effects. Being low in lactose,it provides an alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk.

This milk is slightly saltier than traditional milk and need not be cooked like traditional cow milk. With a higher shelf life,camel milk can be processed into cheese,butter,khoa,buttermilk and fermented milk products.

With an impressive list of health benefits,the milk of the ship of the desert may be just be the next ‘superfood’.

Ishi Khosla is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being,one should integrate physical,mental and spiritual health. According to her: “To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.”