Diego Diomedi
TERNI – Why camel milk? Camel milk has unique properties, they are many and they are concentrated. These characteristics have led to it being defined as the white gold of the desert. A Superfood declares Tiziano Sironi of VIVID srl Innovative startup based in Terni. This milk is certainly more nutritious than cow’s milk and contains an amino acid that helps brain relaxation. It also contains more than 200 proteins, some of which are present only in it. Studies have also shown that camel milk helps lower blood sugar levels and is free of the two proteins that cause lactose allergies. An important note is certainly the absence of lactoglobulin, the main protein in cow and sheep’s milk whey which is often associated with intolerances. Furthermore, the content of vitamin C, vitamin B3, folic acid, vitamin B12 and B5 exceeds that present in cow’s milk and even breast milk.
Where? There are 12.2 million camels living in East Africa, a number of global importance. The milk they produce is rich in iron, vitamins B and C and proteins. Renamed “white gold”, the mammal’s milk is known in the area thanks to its pharmacological properties: useful against diabetes and allergies, it is also used as an aphrodisiac.
The nutritional aspect With three times more vitamin C than cow’s milk, a higher amount of fat and protein, 107 calories per cup and about 3 grams of saturated fat, this milk has also become popular for its easily digestible characteristics, since it is free of lactoglobulin, the main whey protein from cows and sheep, known to cause milk protein allergies. Camel milk has a higher content of vitamin C, vitamin B3, folic acid, vitamin B12 and B5 than cow’s milk and breast milk. Therefore, as confirmed by the Italian Journal of Diabetology and Metabolism, this rich composition could make it a valid alternative for nourishing children. Several studies have also highlighted the possible use of camel milk in the treatment of pathologies such as type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus or Crohn’s disease, since its high content of vitamins and mineral salts could help integrate insulin treatment in patients.
Not to be underestimated is that it helps those who are lactose intolerant and those who suffer from other food allergies. Another discovery is that this type of milk would help fight oxidative stress in children with autism. This phenomenon is believed to be the basis of various diseases and children subjected to camel milk therapy have found an increase in enzymes that protect against oxidative stress.
To conclude, it is worth remembering how camel milk is in line with ecological values. This is because this type of animal consumes much less water and food than a cow.
