Don’t get us wrong, milk alternatives are extremely important, as 2 per cent of Australians are born allergic to dairy. Allergies to dairy can manifest themselves in sufferers as hives, upset bowels, vomiting, and even anaphylactic shock, all due to an the alpha S1-casein protein in cow's milk.
A further 4 per cent of Australian adults are lactose intolerant (yep, it’s actually different to a dairy allergy), meaning they lack the lactase enzyme needed to break down the lactose in dairy.
However with the new wave of camel milks hitting the market, it seems that no species is safe from a ‘milking’ these days.
Camel milk is a centuries old alternative for nomads in Africa and the Middle East, consumed out of necessity, but a new fad in the aisle of your local Coles. While apparently similar in taste to cow milk (we emphasise apparently because… well we’re not game to try it just yet) it’s reportedly slightly saltier.
In the corner, batting for the benefits of camel milk, is a recent study published in Electronic Physician, suggesting that camel milk holds antibacterial properties and could be a potential immune booster. The researchers even suggest it is the closest fit to human breast milk when it comes to nutrient density. In fact, even the UN back the low-fat nectar from our humped friends.
“To devotees, camel milk is pure nectar… it is very good for you,” said The Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations. “Aside from Vitamin C, it is known to be rich in iron, unsaturated fatty acids and B vitamins.”
However don’t start chugging camel juice if you’re looking for a protein hit. Although it is protein rich, cow milk still reigns supreme here… unless of course you’re down to try cockroach milk. No? Didn’t think so.
“Camel milk is more caloric than nut milk, so it’s important to pay attention to portion size if you are swapping out your almond milk in your smoothie for camel milk,” advices dietician Tracy Lockwood Beckerman when talking to Shape.
Stay tuned, as at this rate, there’s sure to be another milk alternative right around the corner, and while we’ll stick to the moo for now, we’re intrigued to see what it will be.
