What are the benefits, effects, and contraindications of camel milk?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, camel milk offers various benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, supplementing calcium, aiding blood sugar control, promoting intestinal health, and enhancing immunity. Contraindications include excessive consumption, individuals with allergies, lactose intolerance, impaired liver or kidney function, and diabetes. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Drinking camel milk in moderation can better harness its nutritional value.
Generally, the benefits of camel milk include improving cardiovascular health, supplementing calcium, assisting blood glucose control, promoting intestinal health, and enhancing immunity. Contraindications include excessive consumption, lactose intolerance, allergies, impaired liver or kidney function, and diabetes. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Benefits
1. Improve Cardiovascular Health
The unsaturated fatty acids in camel milk help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol) in the blood, preventing atherosclerosis. The antioxidants present can reduce damage from free radicals and protect the cardiovascular system from oxidative stress.
2. Supplement Calcium
Camel milk is an excellent source of calcium, containing approximately 10% more than cow's milk and being more easily absorbed by the human body. It helps prevent osteoporosis and supports healthy bone development in children.
3. Assist Blood Glucose Control
Camel milk contains higher levels of insulin-like growth factors, which can enhance the function of pancreatic β-cells and improve insulin sensitivity, helping diabetic patients better manage their blood glucose levels.
4. Promote Intestinal Health
Camel milk contains a component known as "long-chain fatty acids" that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and help maintain a balanced intestinal microbiome. It also contains abundant prebiotics, further supporting the proliferation of probiotics in the gut.
5. Enhance Immunity
Camel milk is rich in high-quality proteins, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and other antioxidants. These components help strengthen the immune system and increase the body’s resistance to disease.
II. Contraindications
1. Excessive Consumption
Drinking too much camel milk may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and lead to indigestion.
2. Lactose Intolerance
Camel milk contains significant amounts of lactose. Individuals with lactose intolerance may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain after consumption.
3. Allergic Individuals
People allergic to components in camel milk may develop discomfort symptoms such as skin itching and swelling after drinking it.
4. Impaired Liver or Kidney Function
Certain substances in camel milk require metabolism in the liver and kidneys. Individuals with severe liver or kidney dysfunction may experience increased organ burden after consuming camel milk.
5. Diabetes
Camel milk contains substantial sugar content. Diabetic patients may experience elevated blood glucose levels after consumption, potentially worsening existing symptoms.
To fully benefit from camel milk, it should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercise, is essential for enhancing overall physical well-being.
