Milk from unlikely animal could be a healthier alternative to cow’s dairy

The ongoing debate of which milk is healthiest just got more interesting, as scientists introduce a new contender.

Cow’s milk has had a tough ride in recent years, while plant alternatives like oat, soy and almond milk climb the ranks of popularity with younger consumers.

However, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia suggests one animal’s milk trumps the lot due to its potent antimicrobial and antiallergenic properties.

The research team noted that camel milk is better at protecting and promoting gut health compared to cow’s milk. They found camel milk contains higher levels of naturally occurring bioactive peptides, which are little proteins that slow the growth of harmful bacteria. However, the potency of these active molecules in camel milk needs further testing.

"This is a good thing. We now know that camel milk has the potential to be hypoallergenic compared to cow's milk, but also that it has higher potential to yield bioactive peptides which can have antimicrobial properties and anti-hypertensive properties," said Ph.D. student Mr. Manujaya Jayamanna Mohittige.

"These bioactive peptides can selectively inhibit certain pathogens, and by doing so, create a healthy gut environment and also have the potential to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in future."

The research suggests that camel milk could be a good alternative for people seeking relief from dairy-related intolerances, since it lacks a major cow milk allergen called beta-lactoglobulin. It also contains lower levels of lactose than cow’s milk.

When compared to cow’s milk, camel milk is more water-rich, with a water content of 87–90 per cent, compared to 85–87 per cent in cow’s milk. It also contains less fat