In some parts of the world, camel milk is a local specialty. Dubbed the "white gold of the desert", it’s been popular in the Middle East and certain parts of Africa for thousands of years, but has only recently made its way to South Africa. But what makes the milk so unique, compared to other kinds of milk on the shelves?
What does it contain?
Camel milk is highly nutritious and full of proteins and organic compounds with powerful anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-microbial abilities, Carin Smit, clinical environmental and metal toxicologist told Health24.
“The protein in camel milk is totally different to the protein in cow’s milk. The protein in cow’s milk prunes neurocirculatory in the brain. That’s why when cow’s milk is given to an autistic child, the autism deepens, whereas camel milk does not contain that protein.”
READ MORE Natural Nutritional Camel Milk- South Africa
Although most of the evidence on the link between camel milk and autism is anecdotal, there are a few small studies indicating potential therapeutic effects in children with autism.
Smit adds that the milk is also a rich source of insulin as there are 52 units of insulin-like protein in every litre of camel’s milk, making it a potential natural solution for diabetes.
If you have trouble digesting lactose (the natural sugar found in cow’s milk), or have milk allergies, camel milk can make you forget all about your excruciating digestive issues as it is lower in lactose and doesn't contain the protein that causes an allergic reaction to cow's milk.
Camel milk also has five times the amount of vitamin C and ten times more iron than its bovine counterpart, making it ideal for those with anaemia. Besides this, it’s also anti-inflammatory, can help treat skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, and can boost immunity.
We asked dietitian and Health24 expert, Ria Catsicas, to compare the nutritional benefits and average price of (long-life) cow’s milk and common milk alternatives.
Why the high cost?
When compared to other kinds of the milk on the shelves, camel milk is considerably more expensive. This is because camels produce only a fraction of what a cow produces, and the fact that demand far outweighs supply.
Where can I find it?
This novelty dairy contender hasn’t yet headed to the refrigerated section of South African supermarkets. It’s currently available fresh, as unpasteurised frozen milk in one litre bottles, and in milk powder form from Camel Milk South Africa. It has recently been released in its pasteurised form in Cape Town, but has yet to roll out to stores across the country.
The milk comes from free-ranging camels in the remote district of Askham in the Kalahari. It's the only camel milk dairy in South Africa and is run by Hans Knoesen, a former banker whose family has been involved with farming for many years.
The camels were once-wild camels that have become adapted to the Kalahari over the past 100 years and have been tamed, Smit tells us. “Once they’ve given birth, they don’t eat anything that is non-organic. They live on 50 Kalahari bushes, so it’s the purest, most ethically-raised milk that you can find in Southern Africa.”
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