We all know about regular yogurt and how delicious it can be, yet Goat yogurt is somewhat less known to the people. Although yogurt in general has numerous health benefits, and we don’t discourage our readers from consuming them, today we will learn some amazing facts about organic goat yogurt and the various benefits it brings to the table.
The Origin of Goat Yogurt
Goat yogurt has a decent history and has had its presence for thousands of years. Naturally, it was most widely used in regions where goat farming was prevalent. Goat milk is extremely healthy and nutritious, and hence transformation to yogurt was the next step. This practice continues today in many rural areas around the world, where people rely on their cattle for most of their livelihood. Modern industrialization has adopted their practices and has now started manufacturing these on a large scale. We will discuss why this has negatively impacted the quality of these otherwise nutritious products.
The Downside of Non-Organic and Industrially Processed Goat Yogurt
Non-organic and industrially processed goat yogurt usually contains chemical residues, synthetic additives, and artificial flavors, posing health hazards. When products like this are manufactured on a large scale it usually ends up hampering the natural resources as they convert more forest areas to pastoral areas.
Not just that, when animals are used for large-scale production of a certain good or product, they are almost always exploited and abused. Additionally, pasteurization and other industrial processing such as addition of artificial preservatives reduce the nutritional value of the yogurt. Organic goat yogurt, in comparison, aligns with sustainable, clean, and humane practices, supporting both your well-being as well that of the animals involved.
The Health Benefits of Organic Goat Yogurt
Let’s have a look at some of the health benefits of organic goat yogurt.
- Digestive Wellness: Goat yogurt is a lot easier to digest compared to cow’s milk yogurt. It contains less amounts of lactose which makes it a suitable choice for individuals with lactose intolerance. So there is almost no compromise in the nutritional values that you ought to be receiving from your cow yogurt.
- Probiotic Powerhouse: Just like cow milk yogurt, organic goat yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. So say goodbye to your gut problems.
- Rich in Nutrients: It is a potent source of essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, phosphorus, and B vitamins. They help to keep your bones strong, especially as you gradually age. Something to be wary of!
- Lower in Saturated Fat: Goat milk and hence goat yogurt have much lesser saturated fat. This is good if you are looking to reduce your saturated fat intake and support heart health. To all the readers thinking of switching their diets, this can be extremely good. However, don’t forget to maintain an active lifestyle too!
- Naturally A2 Protein: Goat’s milk contains A2 beta-casein protein, which has been found to be less allergenic than the A1 protein found in cow’s milk. This is one of the biggest positives that it has. Many people with lactose intolerant, might be able to tolerate it to a much greater degree. However, this varies for an individual.
Sustainability and Goat Farming
The sustainability of organic goat yogurt extends beyond its health benefits. It’s rooted in the practices employed in goat farming:
- Pasture-Raised Goats: Organic goat farms rely on pasture-raised goats. These goats graze on open pastures, reducing the environmental impact of feed production and supporting soil health through natural fertilization. This means that no specific area of forests is cleared to make pastoral grounds, which is a good thing.
- Reduced Water Usage: When it comes to cattle raising such as cows, a lot of water is consumed. Raising goats on the other hand, requires much less water consumption than its other counterparts. This leads to water conservation.
- Smaller Carbon Footprint: Cattle raising in general is often attributed to huge carbon footprint. However, we disagree that the mere existence of a living being is often cited as a harm to our environment when it’s our own doing. Raising goats, however, leaves a much smaller carbon footprint.
- Support for Local Communities: The goat farmers are usually small family or local businesses. At least that is what is seen in most rural areas around the world. Thus, by choosing organic goat yogurt, you will support local communities and their families too.
It is very simple to incorporate organic yogurt in your daily life. For example, you can add it to your smoothies, regular old cereals, or even as toppings on various fruits. With its remarkable health benefits, including digestive wellness and probiotic power it’s a win-win for both your well-being and the planet.
