The no-cow dairy diet is the newest health trend. Today’s latest and greatest “dairy” pushes cow milk aside.
Consumers have an extensive selection of dairy alternatives to choose from. Just about every dairy product on the shelf has a dairy-free twin. However, the American market overlooks the most natural source for cow dairy alternatives, animal milk. The words “animal” and “milk” together may seem contradictory, but there are three humble animals that produce milk that is gentle, mild, and beneficial for the human body: goats, sheep, and water buffalo.Â
Dairy-free products of nuts and grains, though purposeful for some individuals, cannot serve the body like animal milk. Milk substitution requires unnatural balances of added sugars and vitamins. Goat, sheep, and water buffalo milk offers the most natural source of nutrients for the body. The milk contains A2 protein, whereas most cow milk contains A1 protein. A2 protein has a similar makeup to breast milk so the body digests it easily. Individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities successfully consume goat, sheep, or water buffalo milk for this reason.Â
More people consume goat milk than any other source of milk around the world. Goat milk is easily digestible because it contains slightly less lactose than cow milk and smaller fat molecules. It is also beneficial for iron deficiency anemia because it aids in the absorption of iron and copper. Additionally, goat milk has more fatty acids than cow milk, which provide energy and do not turn into body fat. It also contains higher levels of calcium, protein, magnesium, and prebiotics. Goat milk contains 330 milligrams of calcium while cow milk contains 275- 300 milligrams of calcium.
Sheep milk is extremely popular in Mediterranean countries. Sheep milk has all 10 necessary amino acids and is considerably high in the essential fatty acids, omega 3 and 6. Sheep milk also supplies more energy to the body than cow or goat milk. It is high in calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B and D. Sheep milk fat molecules are smaller than those found in goat milk. Therefore, sheep milk is a safe dairy source for people with cow dairy sensitivities.Â
Water buffalo milk is the newest craze. Asian countries consume water buffalo milk the most, however, American health food stores now sell water buffalo cheese and yogurt.  The milk contains high amounts of healthy fat which give it a creamy, thick consistency. It has roughly 10 percent more calcium than cow milk. It is high in protein, including Casein. Studies show that Casein could be a potential ingredient in osteoporosis therapy. Water buffalo milk has many antioxidants that increase the ability to fight toxins in the body.Â
The search for better-tasting and “better-for-you” cow dairy alternatives ends here. Despite the market’s creativity, no dairy-free product completely mirrors cow dairy. Almond milk and coconut creamer cannot compare to these three dairy delicacies.Â