In times past when it was time to add milk to cereal, you would automatically reach for the glass of cow's milk that the milkman had delivered the day before. Now that the milkman doesn't come to your house anymore, you have a myriad of milk choices available at your supermarket ranging from milk derived from animals to nondairy alternatives such as soy milk and almond milk. One sweet tasting and healthy milk that's received less publicity than the other types is sheep's milk. Once tasted, sheep's milk is often preferred over both cow's milk and goat milk due to its sweet creaminess. By comparison, cow's milk is described as tasteless. What are the advantages of sheep's milk over milk from a cow or goat?
Taste
As already mentioned, sheep's milk is described as tasting richer and creamier than cow's milk without the faint tanginess of goat's milk. If you've only drank cow's milk, switching over to sheep's milk may take an initial adjustment period but many people prefer its rich taste once they make the change.
Digestibility
Up to seventy-five percent of the world's population has some degree of lactose intolerance, making it difficult for them to drink milk without symptoms of gassiness and diarrhea. Many people who suffer from lactose intolerance are able to enjoy sheep's milk without symptoms even though they're unable to drink goat's milk or cow's milk. Sheep's milk as well as yogurt and cheese made from milk from the sheep may give the lactose intolerant individual the chance to enjoy milk again.
Nutrition
Sheep's milk is more nutritious than cow's milk and goat's milk. Although it contains higher levels of butterfat, it's actually lower in saturated fat than other types of milk. The primary fats in sheep's milk are the heart healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated variety. It's also a source of medium chain triglycerides which may play a role in reducing cholesterol levels. Sheep's milk is higher in calcium than milk from the cow or goat and is a rich source of other important minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. Milk from sheep is also vitamin rich containing health amounts of vitamins A, D, and E. It's a particularly good source of the B vitamins including folic acid. Sheep's milk is also slightly higher in protein than other forms of milk.
Although sheep's milk is tasty when drunk by the glass, you can also enjoy in its other forms such as yogurt and cheese products. It makes a healthy and delicious ice cream. Although sheep's milk can be difficult to find in some areas, health food stores and natural food markets may sell it. If not, you may be able to buy it from your local farmer's market or online. Why not give this healthy milk a try?
