Why Raw Milk?

              

        In 2012, we decided we wanted to add something to our farm that would be of good use. We wanted something for the milk. Nigerian Dwarf goats seemed to be the perfect thing! Being a much smaller breed, the Nigerian Dwarfs are extremely easy to handle, with a very friendly/loving personality. 

   We knew from the beginning we wanted to drink/use their milk raw. But, WHY?...This article written Rose of Sharon Acres explains it all...

You may ask 'raw goat milk'? Why should I care about it. American's have been 'culturized & advertised' into associating milk with cows when in fact, goat milk is far more healthy for humans. In Maud, Texas goat milk is all we drink - it's God's complete food! According to the Journal of American Medicine, "Goat's milk is the most complete food known." It contains vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, trace elements, enzymes, protein, and fatty acids that are utilized by your body with ease. In fact, your body can digest goat's milk in just 20 minutes. It takes 2-3 hours to digest cow's milk. Excerpt from "The Maker's Diet" by Jordan S. Rubin... 'You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of your maidservants' (Proverbs 27:27). The milk consumed in biblical times differed much from the milk we consume today. The milk of the Bible came from cows and goats and was consumed straight from the animal (it was not pasturized or homogenized), or it was immediately fermented. These 'live' foods provide excellent health benefits in contrast to today's pasturized, homogenized, often skimmed and 'refortified' milk, which is not only less nutritious but also can be potentially harmful and a major cause of allergies and even heart disease. (pg 147)

Below are some of the health benefits attributed to raw goat milk consumption:  Goat's milk is less allergic - It does not contain the complex protein that stimulate allergic reactions to cow's milk.) Goat's milk does not suppress the immune system. Goat's milk is easier to digest than cow's milk (An old statistic showed that goat's milk will digest in a baby's stomach in twenty minutes, whereas pasturized cow's milk takes eight hours.  The difference is in the structure of the milk.) Goat's milk has more buffering capacity than over the counter antacids. (The USDA and Prairie View A&M University in Texas have confirmed that goat's milk has more acid-buffering capacity than cow's milk, soy infant formula, and nonprescription antacid drugs.) Goat's milk alkalinizes the digestive system.  It actually contains an alkaline ash, and it does not produce acid in the intestinal system.  Goat's milk helps to increase the pH of the blood stream because it is the dairy product highest in the amino acid L-glutamine.  L-glutamine is an alkalinizing amino acid, often recommended by nutritionists. Pg. 148 - "The Makers Diet" Goat's milk contains twice the healthful medium-chain fatty acids, such as capric and caprylic acids, which are highly antimicrobial. (They actually killed the bacteria used to test for the presence of antibiotics in cow's milk!) Goat's milk does not product mucus; it does not stimulate a defense response from the human immune system. Goat's milk is a rich source of the trace mineral selenium, a necessary nutrient, however, for its immune modulation and antioxidant properties. Pg 149 "The Maker's Diet" Lactose Intolerant? Easier digestion allows the lactose to pass through the intestines more rapidly, not giving it time to ferment or cause an osmotic imbalance. Goat's milk also contains 7% less lactose than cow milk. Additionally, most lactose intolerant people have found that they can tolerate goat's milk and goat milk products. Goat's Milk Soothes the Digestive Tract Goat's milk has long been used and recommended as an aid in the treatment of ulcers due to its more effective acid buffering capacity. Children on goat's milk have been observed to sleep through the night and remain more satisfied between meals. Mother Nature is very Clever Natural milk contains many bioactive components, which serve to retard the growth of harmful organisms, and to protect the health of the person consuming them. Goat's milk contains the same important bioactive components as mother's milk. Medicinal properties of goat milk The importance of feeding of infants with goat milk has been recognized since ancient days. In developed countries like U.S and South Africa, the goat milk is specifically marketed for the infants. The milk allergy problem common in infants fed with cow milk is rarely encountered when replaced with goat milk and it plays an important role in the formulation of infant formula. This is a proof of the medicinal property of goat milk. The symptoms like gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, colic, diarrhoea, constipation and respiratory problems can be eliminated when goat milk is fed to the infants. The reason cited for the relief in respiratory problems when fed with goat milk can be attributed to the structure of casein micelle of the goat milk. Pasteurized goat milk is well tolerated by the infants with gastro intestinal or respiratory symptoms. Fermented goat milk products are ideal for the persons allergic to cow milk. The goat milk is naturally homogenized. It forms a soft curd when compared to cow milk and hence helps in easy digestion and absorption. Regular intake of goat milk significantly improves the body weight gain, improved mineralization of skeleton, increased blood serum vitamin, mineral and haemoglobin levels. These points are considered advantageous when compared to consumption of human milk. The other medicinal property of goat milk is higher concentration of medium chain fatty acids which play an important role in imparting unique health benefits in mal-absorption syndrome, steatorrhoea, chyluria, hyperlipoproteinaemia and during conditions of cystic fibrosis, gall stones and childhood epilepsy. The medium chain fatty acids minimize cholesterol deposition in the arteries, aid in dissolving cholesterol and gallstones and significantly contribute to normal growth of infants. Disclaimer** These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To prevent our products from being classified as drugs under Section 201(g) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, we are required to inform you that there is no intention, implied or otherwise that represents or infers that these products or statements be used in the cure, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease.       A couple of times last year, we actually had a few incidents of pink eye! Aghh! But with a few drops of the raw goats milk, it cleared right up! It's so amazing sometimes how things in their raw/natural state can be a cure to diseases/infections/just everyday problems! Isn't that the way God intended it to be though?     I can't wait until are girls are ready to milk again! Going out early in the morning, with the music cranked up loud, is the perfect way to start your morning! It feels so good, coming back from the barn, with milk in your hands, knowing you are providing for your family.   We currently have 4 does pregnant. They are due in July! Kidding season is so much fun...I can't wait for those days to come! Only a few more months and they'll be here before I know it!     Have a great MoNdAy everyone! Enjoy the beautiful sunshine!  Question of the day: Have you ever tried goats milk, raw or not?