Goats have been providing humanity with milk long before cows became popular during the frontier days, and for good reason: They produce healthier milk that is cheaper and easier to obtain. However, as beef became the most popular form of meat starting in the 19th century, cow milk emerged as a natural byproduct of this shift. As cows were raised on an industrial scale, companies realized that they could capitalize on selling milk as a way to increase profits.
However, if we were ever thrust into an off-the-grid way of living and forced to maintain a homestead in order to be self-sufficient, then cows would be the last thing that we need. They require an enormous amount of feed, water or grazing territory, they are difficult to move around due to their size, and they are simply too much for an average family to handle. On the other hand, goats are smaller, don’t need a lot of room or food, they can be transported with relative ease, and they produce just enough milk to sustain the average family.
Easier on the Body
Goat milk is easier to digest than cow milk, fewer people have allergic reactions after drinking, and it doesn’t cause as much inflammation. It’s also loaded with calcium as well as healthy fats that are burned for energy instead of being stored in the body. In fact, there are similarities between goat milk and olive oil in terms of their fat content and contribution to the production of good cholesterol.
Since goat milk breaks down into smaller components that are easier for the body to digest, we also absorb more nutrients along the way. In fact, we could lose up a third of the available nutrients in cow milk simply because our bodies can’t digest it properly.
Good for Skin
Goat milk also has positive benefits on the skin. It can be absorbed directly through the skin, and this means that nutrients can be delivered without having to go through the digestive system where they can end up being diverted to other places in the body. It’s so effective that many skincare products use goat milk, or a derivative, as a base ingredient. There are also countless recipes out there for creams, shampoos, soaps and topical medicines that you can make at home that are much healthier and just as effective as store-bought alternatives as well.
Healthy Alternative
Goat milk is also a great way to incorporate healthy dairy products into our diets. You can make anything from cheese and yogurt to cream, butter or kefir with goat milk, and chances are that you’ll be surprised by the taste and creaminess of the finished product.
We’re not saying that cow milk is bad, or that you need to avoid dairy products derived from cows. However, goat milk is a much-better alternative if you have the choice.
Take a closer look at the benefits of goat milk, as well as the benefits of having an actual goat. You’ll be surprised at how this little animal can be such a productive part of your ability to be self-sufficient.
