Camel milk: alternative milk for human consumption and its health benefits

Abstract

Purpose – Camel as a livestock plays an important role in desert ecosystem and its milk has potential contribution in human nutrition in the hot and arid regions of the world. This milk contains all the essential nutrients as found in other milk. Fresh and fermented camel milk has been used in different regions in the world including India, Russia and Sudan for human consumption as well as for treatment of a series of diseases such as dropsy, jaundice, tuberculosis, asthma and leishmaniasis or kala-azar. The present paper aims to explore the possibility of camel milk as an alternative milk for human consumption. Design/methodology/approach – Recently, camel milk and its components were also reported to have other potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and renoprotective potential; and for autism, and has been recommended to be consumed by children who are allergic to bovine milk. Findings – It has also been reported to alleviate oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rats. Camel milk differs from bovine milk in composition. It contains low total solids and fat; however, proteins and lactose are in equal amount but of higher quality than cow milk. Because of the high percentage of β-casein, low percentage of α-casein, deficiency of β-lactoglobulin and similarity of the immunoglobulins, it become safer for persons who are allergic to bovine milk. It contains protective proteins in higher amount which contributes to its functionality. The fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis of camel protein produce different types of bioactive peptides which exerts different activity in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Originality/value – Because of its unique quality and functionality, this milk has potential application in management of different diseases and application in food industries.

Bovine Milk Allergens: A Comprehensive Review

“…Until now, camel milk seems to be the most appropriate substitute for cow milk, mainly because of the high proportion of β‐casein, low proportion of α‐casein, deficiency in ALA, and similarity of the Ig (Kumar and others ). Camel milk shows the lowest level of similarity (about 60%) with cow milk proteins (Jarvinen and Chatchatee ; Restani and others ; Tsabouri and others ).…”

Miraculous Properties of Camel Milk and Perspective of Modern Science

“…The study proposes that camel milk intake could be significantly important to decrease the oxidative stress through changing the concentration of anti-oxidative enzymes non-enzymatic anti-oxidants molecules, hence reduced the signs of autism in children [58]. Also, lower content of B-casein, lack of B-lactoglobulin and presence of protective protein make camel milk suitable for to maintain immune system and brain development [59]. It has been stated that autism is among the diseases that has successfully healed with camel milk [60].…”

Effect of Camel Milk on the Physicochemical, Rheological, and Sensory Qualities of Bread

“…Camel milk is considered a good source of protein, with a protein content of 3.00-3.90%. Caseins, including β-casein (65%) and whey proteins (20-25%), are the major proteins in camel milk [9]. Additionally, camel milk is characterised by high levels of vitamins (0.50-2.50%) and minerals (0.60-0.90%).…”

“…Iron (0.21-0.29 mg/100 g), sodium (58-59 mg/100 g), zinc (0.19-0.53 mg/100 g), potassium (156-179 mg/100 g), magnesium (10.40-14.00 mg/100 g), and cholesterol (3.00-5.00 g/kg of milk fat; low content) are also found in camel milk [10][11][12]. Several studies on camel milk have identified various health benefits, such as anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, and antiviral effects [9,13]. Camel milk is a good choice for children allergic to bovine milk [8].…”

“…Camel milk is a good choice for children allergic to bovine milk [8]. It reduces cholesterol and blood pressure [9]. erefore, camel milk is considered a good source of nutrition [14].…”