Donkey's Milk Might Sound Weird, But It Has Numerous Health Benefits

Sounds good to us 🐴
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We've tried cow, soya and even oat milk. So it's only fair that donkey's milk has its day.

Donkey's milk is lower in fat than cow's milk and contains inflammation-reducing fatty acids that boost heart health.

"Biochemically, donkey's milk is actually closer to human milk than cow's milk with a similar protein, mineral and fatty acid composition," nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed tells The Huffington Post UK.

"It's also reported to have many functional properties, but the truth is we don't have enough research to say much more than that at this point."

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation says donkey milk has "particular nutritional benefits" and could benefit those who are allergic to cow's milk.

A Suisse dairy company called Eurolactis is already marketing the milk in Europe.

They sell atomised, freeze-dried and fresh milk - the latter of which is only available in Italy at the moment - as well as cosmetics and soaps which are reportedly good for skin conditions such as eczema.

“Adults in good health can enjoy donkey’s milk as a hypo-allergenic substitute for cow’s milk."”

Dr Massimo Caliendo, nutritional biologist, writes on the Eurolactis site: "One of the most important uses of donkey’s milk is in paediatrics, specifically for cases of allergies and intolerance.

"It is well-known that the protein in cow’s milk can be an allergen for children. If mother’s milk is not available, donkey’s milk comes into its own as an extremely beneficial and important source of food, particularly for cases of multiple food allergies and poor absorption."

He added that donkey's milk is also a great supplement for sports people.

"It can improve work rate and performance," he wrote. "In difficult situations such as growth problems, poor diet, convalescence, periods of transition such as adolescence or the menopause or for older people, dietary supplementation based on donkey’s milk helps the body to cope during critical phases.

"Finally, adults in good health can enjoy donkey’s milk as a hypo-allergenic substitute for cow’s milk."

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