Milk, the most ideal food — was the mantra — we have been hearing since our childhood. But does the great popularity of cow's milk signify that it is really the best?

Well, before that we must admit that all humans have been created to be sustained entirely upon mothers' milk for at least the first six months of life. There is no other food in the world better than mothers' milk.

However, we need to remember that all other milk are not created equal. The difference between cow's milk and goat's milk may not seem noticeable upon first examination. A closer look, however, discloses several key factors that play an essential part in how milk from either goats or cows matches up with the human body in its various stages.

Even though goat milk, like cow's milk and human milk, contains lactose. Many people with lactose intolerance can drink goat milk; as it has been hypothesised that the goat milk is superior in digestibility. Goat milk is more completely and easily absorbed than cow's milk, leaving less undigested residue behind in the colon.

Why would someone choose goat's milk over the far more popular and available cow's milk? The nutrient composition of goat milk is very different than that of cow's milk. In addition to containing 13% more calcium than cow's milk, goat milk also has 25% more vitamin B6, 47% more vitamin A, 134% more potassium and 350% more niacin. Goat milk is also higher in chloride, copper and manganese and contains 27% more of the essential nutrient selenium.

Goat milk contains none of the controversial Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH). Full-fat cow's milk is high in saturated fat, so those at risk of heart disease or diabetes should drink it in small amounts or avoid it completely.

Goat's milk contains different proteins and fats to cow's milk, making it easier for some people to digest. Goat's milk is high in phosphorus, zinc, essential fatty acids and contains as much potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium as cow's milk.

People learned from ancestors that it was goat milk that helped them to recover when they became very ill. There is another reason why goat milk is so good for us when we are sick, it is high in sodium — the star mineral. Sodium is our youth element. When the stomach is upset, goat milk will help to settle it down. Goat milk also has very high fluorine content and keeps the tooth enamel on the surface from decaying.

Goat's milk is a natural alternative to cow's milk and can comfortably be consumed by many patients who suffer from cow milk allergies or sensitivity. It is a good choice for patients with diarrhoea, asthma, bloating and irritability may be suffering from allergy of cow's milk.

A University of Granada study showed drinking goat's milk regularly may help to reduce cholesterol levels, and support those with iron deficiency anaemia. You may have noticed that the list of alkaline foods is devoid of any animal dairy products, except for this one.

Goat's milk is different than cow's milk, and it is better-tolerated by most people than cow's milk. It also reacts differently in the body than cow's milk does; whereas cow's milk is acidifying, goat's milk is slightly alkaline. So while it will not make a huge difference in how alkaline you are, you can drink it without worrying about its acidity.

In ancient Greece, milk was only prescribed as a medicine, and then it would usually be goat's milk. It was mostly made into cheese. Great heroes from ancient time to Gandhi used to drink goat's milk regularly. It is considered a good choice for health-conscious people. Go with the healthier choice.

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