For thousands of years, there have been a few animals that humans have relied upon for their source of milk which includes cows, buffalo, goats, and sheep. For the most part, the popularity of the milk has been determined by the number of animals in the area which is why cow’s milk has managed to remain firmly in the top spot.
Despite the overwhelming popularity of cow’s milk, especially in the US market, the milk from other animals has been slowly working its way into the mainstream. One type of milk has managed to break through thanks to the many health benefits that it offers. Sheep’s milk is becoming more popular every day thanks to the growing awareness of what it provides to the human body.
Sheep’s milk is very popular in places where they raised such as England, Eastern Europe, and New Zealand for example. The milk is used in a wide variety of popular cheeses, especially Roquefort and feta, and is very popular in the creation of yogurt. There are many vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs, and beneficial fats in sheep’s milk, but its overall popularity has been limited by the fact that, unlike cows, sheep can only produce milk for certain periods of time.
Benefits
The nutritional benefits of sheep’s milk are considerable, especially if you are looking to cut down on cow’s milk and replace it with a healthier alternative. For many, this type of milk is one that offers all the advantages needed when consumed in moderate amounts.
Healthy Fats: One of the biggest mistakes that people make in terms of understanding fats is that they can be good for the body if you consume the right type. The fats in sheep’s milk are healthy as they incorporate several fat-soluble vitamins. Plus, saturated fat includes important fatty acids that are good for the cardiovascular system when taken in the proper amounts. An interesting effect is that the fat found in sheep’s milk also helps people who are normally lactose intolerant to properly digest the milk itself.
Healthy Fats: One of the biggest mistakes that people make in terms of understanding fats is that they can be good for the body if you consume the right type. The fats in sheep’s milk are healthy as they incorporate several fat-soluble vitamins. Plus, saturated fat includes important fatty acids that are good for the cardiovascular system when taken in the proper amounts. An interesting effect is that the fat found in sheep’s milk also helps people who are normally lactose intolerant to properly digest the milk itself.
Vitamins: You’ll find a healthy amount of Vitamins A, B, D, and E which are all essential to good health and wellbeing. The level of vitamins is such that drinking a glass or two each day provides what your body needs for better health. In addition, there is plenty of B12 and Folic acid which is important for those who are pregnant and inexpensive so that you don’t have to purchase expensive supplements.
Minerals: Sheep’s milk has an abundance of calcium and zinc which are very important to the health of your bones and skin. Given that soft drinks tend to reduce bone density, calcium helps to restore the thickness of bone material when taken in the proper amounts. This is important for children and older adults in fighting off the effects of osteoporosis.
In addition, zinc is very important to the health of the skin and contributes to fighting conditions such as anorexia while promoting a healthier sex life. Zinc is a vital mineral and you’ll find plenty of it in this milk.
Proteins: Sheep’s milk offers whey proteins that are easier for the body to digest compared to goat or cow’s milk. For those who are exercising using resistance or weight equipment, sheep’s milk provides plenty of proteins for muscle building and can act as a supplement to what you normally consume. As an interesting side note, those who have an intolerance to meat are often introduced to lamb because the proteins inside the muscle tissue make it easier for people to digest. The same is true when it comes to consuming sheep’s milk or cheese.
Boost Your Immune System: The combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that slows down the effects of premature aging help make sheep’s milk one of the best drinks on the market today. The contents will help your skin and hair look and feel younger while hardening your nails. Plus, the milk helps to detoxify the body and provide it what it needs to improve your immune system.
Less Lactose Intolerance: Apart from the proteins that make sheep’s milk easier to consume and digest, the lactose itself is gone in the cheeses and yogurt that are made from this product. In study after study, it has been demonstrated that those who are lactose intolerant have a much easier time with sheep’s milk compared to goat or cow’s milk. This is why many nutritionists recommend sheep’s milk for those who want to drink milk, but cannot tolerate cow’s milk.
Yogurt: The sheep’s milk that is used to create yogurt will help redress the balance of good bacteria in your gut which may get wiped out when antibiotics are used. Since antibiotics cannot tell the difference between good and bad bacteria, it often destroys the good bacteria present in your digestive system. The yogurt made from sheep’s milk restores the balance and helps your digestive tract.
Another interesting effect is that drinking a glass of sheep’s milk a few hours before you hit the clubs may help prevent your body from absorbing too much alcohol. This is because the milk lines the stomach which prevents a considerable amount of alcohol that is consumed to be absorbed. Although this is no excuse to drink too much, it can help prevent a hangover which will have you feeling better in the morning.
With all the advantages, it should be noted that you should limit the amount of milk you drink to one or two glasses per day. This is because while the fat content in the milk is healthy, too much of it will add unnecessarily to your body fat. So, be sure to drink the milk with one or two meals per day and do not drink too much.
You may find that switching to sheep’s milk offers many benefits that you will enjoy. Especially if you are looking for a substitute for cow’s milk that offers plenty of vitamins, minerals, and proteins for good digestion
