Donkey Milk: What is it and what benefits does it bring?

Donkey Milk: What is it and what benefits does it bring?

About Donkey Milk:

Donkey Milk may sound quite trendy and interesting to newcomers; however, it has been around for more than a thousand years. Due to its nutritional and health benefits, it has been gaining popularity. Did you know? Donkeys are a member of the Equidae family, which even include horses and zebras and there are various breeds of donkeys that have been domesticated globally.

The female donkey is known as Jenny, and it is her milk that is consumed by humans for various reasons, whether to maintain a healthy lifestyle or to keep the skin healthy. When compared with other dairy animals like goat, cow, camel, buffalo, and even sheep, donkey milk is most likely to resemble human breast milk. Another interesting fact about donkey milk is that it was used to feed orphaned infants in the 19th century.

How much milk does a female donkey produce? Jennies only produce approximately 4 cups, i.e., 1 liter of milk a day, which makes it quite difficult to find and is considered as a rare dairy product. There is no known disadvantage of this milk, apart from the fact that it is not easily available, and this makes it more expensive than cow milk.

Since ancient times, it has been used for its therapeutic properties that include healing diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, joint pain, gastric issues, etc. Today, in a few countries in Europe and Asia, donkey milk is used not only as a component of biological products but also plays a significant role in healthcare products and is being accepted by people globally.

Donkey milk benifits

Donkey Milk Nutrition:

It has a nutritive value that is similar to that of human milk. The whey protein present in donkey milk is higher and contains a greater amount of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acids, lower fat content and cholesterol and is rich in calcium and selenium.

It has strong antioxidant properties, lowers the aging process, and is even rich in immune-boosting substances. Experts have said that donkey milk has various medicinal properties,which are very beneficial. Did you know? Hippocrates recommended it for almost every sickness and Pope Francis consumed it as an infant. It is low in fat and rich in lactose, along with Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, and E, proteins, calcium, anti-allergens, anti-bacterial enzymes, and essential fatty acids.

It has known properties to lower cholesterol and protect against intestinal infections, along with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and even whooping cough. It contains essential amino acids, which fit the human body appropriately and is said to be beneficial for infants, as it can promote their bone growth.

Donkey Milk Benefits:

Donkey Milk Powder Benefits

It has various other benefits, which have been mentioned below:

  1. One of the perfect substitutes to human milk:

It is a natural process, that after giving birth, every animal produces milk, to nurture their infants, which will guarantee their growth. This is the same for humans too. The best milk for an infant is considered as the one that is responsible for their healthy and proper development. When choosing an alternative to mother’s milk, the safety, allergy, availability, taste, nutritional component and quality must be kept in check. In terms of this, it is considered the closest to human milk, especially in terms of its nutritional component, hypoallergenicity, and protein composition. In cases of calcium deficiency too, donkey milk plays a significant role as researchers have stated that it has similar characteristics to that of human milk. It is due to the similarities between humans and this milk, that it is not only considered as food but is also seen as a source of nutrition.

 

  1.   The new elixir for skin: :

Donkey milk is known as the ‘natural elixir of youth’. It contains very special ingredients for the skin, such as vitamins A, D, and C, along with proteins and fatty acids. This is the perfect blend for the skin, for various reasons.

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A, which is known for its ability to encourage skin cell turnover and make it look younger. Vitamin A does not cause irritation on the skin and as donkey milk is said to contain a high amount of antioxidants, skin cell renewal can be said to be one of the main functions of the milk.

It further contains Vitamin D, which is known as one of the most important vitamins for the skin, and along with its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also helpful in delaying skin aging. There are various studies that even suggest that it can help in assisting in inflammatory diseases like eczema, acne, and even rosacea. A few of the other vitamins that it contains is Vitamin C, which can benefit all skin types, as said by dermatologists and experts. Experts say that donkey milk has 60 times more Vitamin C than cow’s milk. This helps in improving the collagen production in the skin and even helps in fighting free radicals and maintains an even skin tone.

Did you know? Cleopatra swore by donkey milk for her flawless beauty and made it an essential part of her beauty regime.

It even helps in rejuvenating the skin and keeps it hydrated, alleviates redness, and prevents irritated skin. It helps manage your skin problems and tightens your dull, saggy skin.

  1.       With its immunity-boosting properties, it keeps all the viruses at bay:

It is loaded with significant vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Being lower in fat, and having a higher amount of Vitamin D, it can help in boosting immunity. It has lower amounts of casein and high amounts of whey proteins that have antimicrobial properties that can help in reducing the growth of bacteria and viruses. It even contains lactose, which can help the body to absorb a higher amount of calcium that keeps the bones strong and healthy.

 

  1.       It is favourable for lactose intolerants:

It has recently gained importance due to its properties as an adequate alternative for infants with lactose intolerance, mainly due to its nutritional similarities with human milk. It even has excellent palatability and tolerance, unlike sheep or goat milk. Further, the primary structure of the caseins present in the milk shows important differences when compared to other species. This may contribute towards the explanation of its anti-allergenic properties and greater digestibility.

 

Donkey Milk Uses:

Having the natural property of being more than just food, donkey milk has been gaining popularity for its health benefits. It is a very well-known ingredient in the cosmetics industry. In fact, there is a greater chance for you to find a skincare product, such as skin moisturizers and soaps than donkey milk beverages.

It is said by experts that donkey milk has the ability to hold water that makes it an excellent moisturizer. A few proteins in the milk act as antioxidants that safeguard the cells from oxidative damage, which also involves the ones affected by the sun. This gives it anti-aging benefits too!  

Donkey milk has been given the title of a traditional “Pharmafood” as it has all the required nutrients and vitamins for the proper growth of humans and the maintenance of their health. It may sound like a ‘fad’, but it has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times, which was used as a health-boosting infusion and skin-moisturizing augmenting management.

It may be difficult to find donkey milk as a beverage, however, various companies, such as Aadvik Foods, are emerging with Donkey Milk Powder.

Aadvik Foods has launched its Donkey Milk Powder, which is 100% natural and pure and is made entirely from donkey milk. Made using the freeze-drying process, it ensures that all the nutrients and minerals are retained in powder form. You can now buy it and enjoy the natural beneficial properties of this milk for yourself! All you have to do is click here

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