The milk of a donkey is significantly lower in fat, and higher in minerals, and lactose as compared to cow's milk. Donkey milk is also good for the skin since it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Cleopatra once valued this nutrient-rich beverage for its capacity to renew skin. It is also a good alternative for babies because it contains natural antibacterial components and enhances heart and bone health. This article explains how to drink donkey milk and its advantages for your health.
What is Special about Donkey Milk?
Donkey milk is produced by domesticated donkeys. In various parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa, donkeys are found raised for milk. Their milk has a lovely creamy aroma, is thin and white, and has a sweet flavor. However, donkey milk doesn't have a flavor that lingers.
It is well-liked because it has a high nutritional content and is the most nutritionally similar to human breast milk. Therefore, donkey milk is a popular choice for infants and young children.
Even though donkey milk may not be frequently seen on grocery store shelves, it is very similar to cow's and goat's milk. It has mostly been used for medicinal purposes for years and could be quite beneficial to you.
Donkey milk is in high demand in Europe
Donkey milk is highly prized in Europe. In the past, it was used to cure arthritis, coughs, surgical wounds, and ulcers. The Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra used it to hydrate and soften her skin. All around France and Italy, donkey milk can be found in soaps and creams.
Donkey milk contains significant amounts of whey protein (49.08% of total protein) and essential fatty acids like linoleic acid. It has a low fat and cholesterol content and contains vitamins A, C, and D as well as minerals including calcium and selenium. These nutrients make it a potent antioxidant, which may also help boost immunity.
Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of donkey milk.
Benefits Of Donkey Milk
1. Excellent Infant Nutrition Option
In terms of its nutrient composition, protein composition, and hypoallergenic properties, donkey milk is comparable to human milk. There are a lot of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in donkey milk. Given that it contains nine times as much taurine as cow's milk, donkey's milk is a fantastic substitute for human milk. Taurine is a crucial nutrient that promotes neonatal growth. Taurine must be obtained from outside sources because the human body is unable to produce it. Due to this, sick small children and elderly patients were given donkey milk at the beginning of the 19th century.
2. Excellent For Those Who Have Cow Milk Allergy
Because it contains more whey and less casein per serving than cow's milk, it is more allergen-friendly than cow's milk. Formula made with cow's milk causes reactions in 2-7% of children who consume it. Studies show that donkey milk enriched with sunflower oil can replace cow milk. In a study, 81 children who were allergic to cow milk were able to digest donkey milk without any allergic reactions or detrimental effects on their weight or growth.
3. Might Fight Off Infections
Donkey milk has large amounts of lactoferrin, fatty acids, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme, all of which naturally have antibacterial properties. It is effective against dangerous microorganisms like Salmonella, Listeria, Enterococcus, and enterococci.
4. Might Lessen Inflammation
Donkey milk consumption can reduce inflammation by increasing levels of antimicrobial peptides, according to a mouse study. It can also send out anti-inflammatory signals, which lowers inflammation and maintains normal health.
5. Could Resist Infections
Large concentrations of lactoferrin, fatty acids, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme—all of which have inherent antibacterial properties—can be found in donkey milk. Salmonella, Listeria, Enterococcus, and enterococci are just a few of the harmful pathogens that it is effective against.
6. Could Reduce Inflammation
According to a mouse study, drinking donkey milk can decrease inflammation by raising levels of antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, it has the capacity to transmit anti-inflammatory signals, which reduce inflammation and uphold normal health.
7. Might Encourage Heart Health
Donkey milk is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably linoleic acid, and has a low n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio. Furthermore, it has low atherogenic and thrombogenic index values and a high concentration of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Along with lowering cholesterol, avoiding blood clots, and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and thrombosis, these factors also have immune-stimulatory effects (formation of a blood clot).
7. Might Encourage Heart Health
Donkey milk is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably linoleic acid, and has a low n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio. Furthermore, it has low atherogenic and thrombogenic index values and a high concentration of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Along with lowering cholesterol, avoiding blood clots, and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and thrombosis, these factors also have immune-stimulatory effects (formation of a blood clot).
8. Helps in Digestion
Donkey milk has a high lactose content, which promotes the growth of gut microbes. Because of its high whey protein to casein ratio, the nutrient is easy for a baby to digest and assimilate.
9. Aid in Managing Diabetes
A type 2 diabetic rat study suggests that consuming donkey milk powder may reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance. Donkey milk and powder are preferable for neonates with cow milk allergy, cerebrovascular conditions, or diabetes mellitus. This nutrient-dense beverage is known as a "pharma food."
Disclaimer: This content, is intended to provide only general information to the readers. It is not a replacement for a qualified medical opinion. For more details, always consult a specialist or your doctor.
