Ingredients and Uses

What Are The Proven Health-Promoting Benefits Of Goat Milk?

Reviewed By Registered Dietitian Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, LD
What Are The Proven Health-Promoting Benefits Of Goat Milk? Hyderabd040-395603080 August 17, 2019

Though not very popular in the Western world, goat milk is consumed widely in several other parts of the world (even Gandhi loved it, by the way). And there’s a reason for that.

The milk is rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, B2, C, and D. All of these nutrients offer some of the best benefits you can ever think of.

Keep reading.

What Are The Benefits Of Goat Milk?

1. Could Be Good For The Heart

Goat milk is a good source of magnesium, a mineral beneficial for the heart. Magnesium helps maintain a regular heartbeat and even prevents the formation of blood clots and increased cholesterol levels. Magnesium also works with vitamin D, which is another nutrient crucial for heart health (1).

Goat milk also contains medium-chain fatty acids, in fact, more than that of cow milk. These fatty acids are known to lower cholesterol levels and help treat coronary ailments. The milk might also increase the levels of good cholesterol, and this is one added benefit to the heart (2).

However, certain sources talk about the saturated fat content of goat milk and how it can be detrimental to heart health. Hence, do talk to your doctor before consuming it.

2. Fights Inflammation

Studies have revealed how goat milk can be used as a supplement to treat inflammation in people. The milk can trigger innate and adaptive immune responses in the human body, and this can help fight inflammation (3).

The anti-inflammatory properties of goat milk can be attributed to its compounds called oligosaccharides, which can help treat inflammatory bowel disease (4). These oligosaccharides also help reduce intestinal inflammation, as per another Spanish study (5).

3. Strengthens Bones

Goat milk - Strengthens Bones Pinit


Goat milk is high in calcium, with one cup offering you 327 milligrams of the mineral. This is more than what cow milk offers. Interestingly, goat milk is also rich in vitamin D – another nutrient that boosts calcium absorption and, consequently, bone strength.

In one study, goat milk was used to prevent osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis – and the results were satisfactory (6). Goat milk also contains another type of protein called CSN1S2, which had shown to have anti-osteoporosis effects (7). The milk also prevents bone demineralization (softening of the bones). It also improves bone turnover, which would have otherwise gotten impaired due to iron deficiency (8).

[ Read: 7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Goat Cheese ]

4. Is A Good Metabolic Agent

Goat milk is an excellent metabolic agent as it boosts the metabolic utilization of minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus (9). Additionally, it has A2 beta-casein, which is far healthier than A1 beta-casein that cow milk contains. A2 beta-casein is considered the safer variant of beta-casein, while its A1 counterpart has been found to trigger Type 1 diabetes (10).

The A2 beta-casein in goat milk is what makes it closest to human breast milk, and this, once again, proves why it works best for human health. It also is less allergenic to babies post the breastfeeding period, according to studies (11).

Goat milk might also be good for weight loss since it is rich in both protein and calcium (nutrients often linked to healthy weight loss). It can also offer an energy boost and improve immunity as well, though we need more studies to prove the same.

5. Is Easily Digestible

The fat globules in goat milk are smaller, and this makes the milk easier to digest (12). Upon reaching the stomach, the protein in goat milk forms a softer curd than cow milk – and this also decreases the irritation that one might otherwise experience with cow milk.

6. Works Well For Lactose Intolerants

Goat milk is also lower in lactose and can be a viable option for anyone who is lactose intolerant and doesn’t take milk as a result. The milk is also easily digested by people with sensitive stomachs.

7. Is Better Than Cow Milk

We have already discussed much of this. But reiterating doesn’t hurt.

First, goat milk is far better than cow milk in terms of digestibility. Hence, it is one great option for anyone with gastrointestinal problems. Also, since it is well tolerated by lactose intolerant individuals, it doesn’t cause inflammation.

And then, we have the A2 beta-casein protein in goat milk, which is far better and safer than its counterpart in cow milk. Goat milk also prevents allergic reactions and is environment-friendly as well.

The only downside might be the price – since goat milk is not as readily available in the Western world as in the other parts, it might be a little pricey. But hey, this could be a worthy investment.

8. Might Improve Brain Health

Goat milk - Might Improve Brain Health Pinit


Studies have shown how the lipids in goat milk can reduce anxiety. Goat milk also contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is known to influence brain development (13).

9. Might Be Good During Pregnancy

There is limited information available if goat milk is especially good during pregnancy. Also, we don’t know if it is any better for babies or infants. Hence, consult your doctor.

But keep in mind to consume only pasteurized milk and not raw milk.

10. Prevents Anemia

Goat milk has a higher bioavailability of iron and enhances iron absorption. Which means, in a way, it helps prevent anemia (14).

[ Read: 10 Amazing Benefits Of Goat Butter ]

11. Balances The Body’s pH Levels

Goat milk is alkaline and is more in line with the pH level of mother’s milk, which is why it can balance the body’s pH levels.

12. Enhances Skin Health

Goat milk is rich in essential fatty acids and triglycerides, which makes it very good for the skin. And since it is alkaline, it doesn’t irritate the skin. Moreover, goat milk is loaded with vitamin A – which is one crucial nutrient for the skin. The lactic acid in the milk hydrates and brightens the skin.

You can use the milk (or even dilute it a bit) to wash your face first thing in the morning.

Using goat milk soap is another way you can improve your skin health. You can get it from the nearest supermarket. Using the soap on a regular basis will make your skin less in need of a moisturizer. The soap can even offer relief from eczema symptoms. Just applying the soap to the affected areas will do the trick.

13. Can Improve Hair Health

Your hair needs to be as pH balanced as the rest of the body, which is why goat milk can work wonders. You can rinse your hair with goat milk, and this can improve hair health considerably.

You might also want to try using goat milk in place of shampoo and then follow with your favorite conditioner.


Replace cow milk with goat milk, and your life will change for the better.

Because, after all, maee is better than moo. Isn’t it?

Goat milk - Because, after all, maee is better than moo. Isn't it Pinit


Tell us how this post has helped you. Simply leave a comment below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

What’s the difference between fresh goat milk and powdered goat milk?

Powdered goat milk is a manufactured product that is made by evaporating the milk to dryness. Though it may not be as beneficial as fresh goat milk, powdered goat milk sure does have a longer shelf life.

Can we drink raw goat milk?

Raw milk is basically milk that hasn’t been pasteurized to kill the harmful bacteria. It might cause problems. Hence, it is safe not to drink raw milk as it is.

Can we use goat milk if we are sensitive to cow milk?

Yes, absolutely.

Does goat milk have any side effects?

No specific side effects have been noted. However, since goat milk has a low amount of folate, it may not be beneficial to pregnant or breastfeeding women. For more information on the side effects of goat milk, please consult your doctor.


1. “Comparison of Surti goat milk…”. US National Library of Medicine.
2. “Goat milk feeding causes…”. US National Library of Medicine.
3. “Anti-inflammatory and anti…”. US National Library of Medicine.
4. “Goat milk oligosaccharides are…”. US National Library of Medicine.
5. “Oligosaccharides isolated from…”. US National Library of Medicine.
6. “Clinical efficacy of instant goat milk…”. US National Library of Medicine.
7. “The anti-osteoporosis effects of…”. ScienceDirect.
8. “Goat milk during iron repletion…”. US National Library of Medicine.
9. “Goat’s milk is more…”. ScienceDaily.
10. “How goat’s milk is healthier than cow’s milk”. National Park Service.
11. “Goat milk is less immunogenic…”. US National Library of Medicine.
12. “Comparison between…”. US National Library of Medicine.
13. “Anxiety behavior is reduced…”. US National Library of Medicine.
14. “Bioavailability of iron in goat milk…”. US National Library of Medicine.

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