The Health Benefits Of Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk

The greatest health benefit of goat milk is that it is closer to breast milk than cow milk is!

This is due to its chemical makeup, which also makes it easier to digest and assimilate in the human body.

Is milk in general good for our diet?

To begin with, this common dairy drink can be a challenge for our bodies to digest. For some people, it’s even more inflammatory than gluten.

But I don’t stay away from milk altogether. In fact, goat milk is one of my favorite dairies. Read on to learn why this drink is far superior to its cow counterpart.

Goat milk nutritional profile will take you aback

Check out all that 1 full glass of goat milk has to offer:

  • Saturated Fat: 6.5 grams / 33% RDV*
  • Carbohydrates: 11 grams / 4% RDV
  • Protein: 10.9 grams / 4% RDV
  • Cholesterol: 27 milligrams / 9% RDV
  • Sugars: 11 grams
  • Sodium: 12 milligrams / 5% RDV
  • Calories: 168


  • Magnesium: 34.2 milligrams / 9% RDV
  • Calcium: 327 milligrams / 33% RDV
  • Phosphorous: 271 milligrams / 27% RDV
  • Potassium: 498 milligrams / 14% RDV
  • Copper: 0.1 milligrams / 6% RDV
  • Zinc: 0.7 milligrams / 5% RDV


  • Vitamin C: 3.2 milligrams /5% RDV
  • Vitamin A: 483 IU / 10% RDV
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.3 milligrams / 20% RDV
  • Vitamin D: 29.3 IU / 7% RDV

*Recommended Daily Value

Goat milk benefits

1. Goat milk is easier to digest.

While the fat content of cow and goat milk is similar, the fat globules in goat milk are smaller, making it easier for your body to digest. Once it reaches your stomach, the protein in goat milk forms a softer curd than cow milk ­— only about 2% of goat milk is curd, compared to about 10% in cow milk — helping your body to digest it with less bowel irritation than cow milk.

Goat milk is also lower in lactose, or milk sugars, than cow milk. Because many people have trouble digesting cow milk and aren’t actually allergic to lactose — goat milk can be a viable option.

2. Goat milk has fewer allergenic proteins and causes less inflammation.

Most people who are intolerant of cow milk are actually sensitive to one of the proteins found in it, namely A1 casein, and actually lack the ability to digest A1. Additionally, cow milk is the number 1 allergen among children and can persist throughout adulthood. That’s because it contains more than 20 different allergens (including A1 casein) that can cause allergic reactions — often confused for seasonal allergy symptoms— which can range from hives and runny noses to abdominal cramping and colic in babies.

So what’s the big deal with A1 casein? This protein is highly inflammatory for some people, and inflammation is at the root of most diseases. A1 casein can contribute to gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, leaky gut and colitis — and some less obvious problems, like acne, autoimmune diseases and skin issues like eczema.

While there are some cows that don’t produce A1 casein, namely Jersey and Guernsey cows, the majority of bovines in the U., Western Europe and Australia are Holstein and Fresian, which are A1 casein producers.

On the contrary, milk that contains mostly or exclusively A2 casein produces none of these inflammatory effects. Goat milk contains only A2 casein, making it, protein-wise, the closest milk to human breast milk.
In fact, one study suggests that goat milk, when used as the first protein after breastfeeding, is less allergenic for babies than cow milk.

3. Goat milk is high in calcium and fatty acids but low in cholesterol.

While cow milk is often touted as one of the main calcium abundant foods, there’s no need to worry about not getting enough of calcium when switching to goat milk. It’s actually richer in the mineral, with about 33 % of the daily recommended value versus 28% in cow milk!

Goat milk also has high levels of medium-chain fatty acids — 30–35% as opposed to 15–20% in cow milk. These fatty acids provide an energy boost that isn’t stored as body fat, help lower cholesterol, and can even help treat conditions like coronary diseases and intestinal disorders.

But wait, there’s more to goat milk! Goat milk helps increase “good” cholesterol levels while reducing the bad ones. In fact, it’s got healing properties similar to olive oil and is recommended for keeping high cholesterol in check.

4. Goat milk keeps skin looking good.

The fatty acids and triglycerides found in goat milk not only keep your insides running smoothly, but they help you look great on the outside, too. Their moisturizing qualities help keep skin baby soft.

Goat milk also has high levels of vitamin A which can improve your complexion, fight acne and improve overall skin health. In fact, it should be considered one of the home remedies for acne. The lactic acid found in goat milk helps your body to get rid of dead skin cells and brightens your skin tone. No more pasty face!

Because goat milk has a pH level similar to humans, it’s absorbed by the skin with less irritation and helps keep bacteria at bay. Say goodbye to pimples too!

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