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Camel milk, used medicinally for centuries by nomadic
people, is the closest to human mother’s milk and contains 10 times more
iron and three times more vitamin C than cow’s milk, according to The
Huffington Post. Camels possess unique, powerful immune-system
components, which are contained in their milk. Camel milk might
potentially benefit disorders including diabetes and autism. As with any
natural remedy, consult your doctor before drinking camel milk.
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Diabetes
Low-fat camel milk not only contains healthy vitamins and minerals, but
also is a rich source of insulin. This milk reportedly has about a quart
of insulin in each liter, making it a potential treatment option for
diabetics. The Huffington Post cites a 2005 study by India’s Bikaner
Diabetes Care Research Center that observed the effects of camel milk on
type 1 diabetes. Researchers determined that consuming camel milk
significantly reduced insulin doses required to maintain long-term
glycemic, or blood sugar, control. According to lead researcher Dr. R.P.
Agrawal, 500 ml of raw, fresh camel milk daily improves the lives of
diabetics due to an insulin-like protein that is absorbed rapidly and
does not coagulate. However, Agrawal also states that insulin remains
the most efficient treatment for diabetes, unless it is not an option.
While research appears promising, additional scientific studies are
needed to prove the effectiveness of camel milk for the treatment of
diabetes.
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Autism
Some camel milk proponents believe that camel milk might benefit people
with autism. A study published in the 2005 edition of the “International
Journal of Human Development” observed the effects of camel milk
consumption, instead of cow milk, on autistic people. Researchers
discovered that after a 4-year-old female participant drank camel milk
for 40 days, her autism symptoms disappeared. A 15-year-old boy also
recovered after 30 days of drinking the milk. In addition, several
autistic 21-year-olds consumed camel milk for two weeks and were
observed to be quieter and less self-destructive. Though the milk is
believed beneficial, insufficient scientific evidence exists to prove
the effectiveness of it in the treatment of autism.
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Allergies
Camel milk lacks two powerful allergens found in cow milk and contains
immune system components that might benefit children allergic to milk
and other foods. A study published in the December 2005 edition of the
“Israel Medical Association Journal” investigated the effects of camel
milk on eight children with severe milk and other food allergies. After
failing to respond to conventional treatments, study participants
consumed camel milk under the direction of researchers. Daily progress
reports indicated that all eight children fully recovered from their
allergies with no side effects. In fact, researchers stated that results
were spectacular when compared with traditional treatments.
Disease-fighting immunoglobulins in camel milk were believed to play a
key role in reducing allergic symptoms; however, additional scientific
research is needed to sufficiently prove the effectiveness of camel milk
in treating allergies. |
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Immune
The potent immune-system components in camel milk might help fight
diseases. Purportedly, the small size of the immunoglobulins, or
antibodies, found in camel milk enables easy targeting and penetration
of foreign disease-causing substances, called antigens, for destruction
by the immune system. People with autoimmune system disorders, such as
Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis, have immune systems that attack
their own body tissues. Although traditional treatments for autoimmune
disorders suppress the immune system, camel milk benefits these
disorders by boosting it, according to Israeli physiology professor
emeritus Dr. Reuven Yagil. Despite conventional wisdom, Yagil asserts
that his observations over a five-year period indicate that camel milk
can control or even heal autoimmune disorders, but insufficient
scientific evidence exists to prove the effectiveness of camel milk in
the treatment of autoimmune diseases. |