Solar Synergy™ is the newest addition to the Mt. Capra family of high quality nutrition supplements. This 7 part series looks at the several ingredients contributing to its potency and efficacy as a sports drink.

Last week we started the series on specifically why Solar Synergy™ is such a powerful sports drink. Although we barely scratched the surface of Solar Synergy’s potential, we made some good headway in at least understanding the need for a high quality sports drink. Solar Synergy contains over 20 bio-organic minerals and 9 superfoods but this week we are going to look at just one of its many functional ingredients: Sensoril®.

In a nutshell, Sensoril is a multi-patented, proprietary, standardized extract of the Ayurvedic botanical, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). But it really is so much more than just another ashwagandha extract. This mind and body supplement has a list of clinically proven health benefits that is longer than my arm. We will examine and explain 5 of them. For the sake of brevity, I will limit my explanations of each health benefit and open up the comment section for further discussion.

1. Sensoril® a Superior Solution to Stress

When the body is stressed, its normal state of balance, or homeostasis, is disrupted. This causes a series of physiological reactions along the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which results in increased secretion of cortisol into the bloodstream. (Don’t worry, that part won’t be on the test) Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” because it produces a wide range of stress-related symptoms. Sensoril® is an optimal ingredient in Solar Synergy™ because it lowers cortisol levels in the body thus relieving stress. This was demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which the level of serum cortisol dropped by 24.2% in subjects taking Sensoril®. Interesting thing about this is that those taking the placebo saw their cortisol levels rise by nearly 5% that is bad news for those on the placebo and great news for those consuming Sensoril®!These same subjects also experienced a 69.9% reduction in an overall measure of stress-related symptoms. Bottom line is that we’re seeing some pretty hefty clinical data backing up the ability of Sensoril® and thus Solar Synergy to reduce stress in the body.

2. Sensoril® is Clinically Proven to Provide Healthy Energy

Solar Synergy™ contains the therapeutic dose of Sensoril® (250mg) which has been clinically proven to provide long-lasting, balanced energy in a safe and effective manner. This type of stimulant-free energy enhancement lacks the feelings of nervousness and jitters that normally accompany use of stimulant-based energy ingredients.

In the previously described double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, subjects taking Sensoril® felt their energy level increase by 79% with no negative side effects reported.

This energizing effect was accompanied by a rise in the subjects’ levels of serum dehyroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an energizing hormone that becomes depleted when people are stressed and as they age. Research has also found that Sensoril® enhances energy-related metabolism at the cellular level by increasing levels of ATP and other energy-related cellular metabolites that are produced in mitochondria, the cell’s energy factory.

3. Sensoril® is Proven to Enhance Mental Cognition.

Chronic stress and aging are associated with decreased brain activity due to altered neurotransmitter levels, inhibition of neural connections, and even neuron death caused by high cortisol levels and free radical-induced oxidative damage. Parts of the brain like the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which are associated with memory and concentration, are particularly vulnerable to stress and aging-induced damage.

Sensoril® has been clinically proven to significantly reduce forgetfulness and the inability to concentrate.

Its ability to enhance cognitive function in this way is caused by the extraordinary, multifunctional properties of Sensoril’s withanolide glycoside bioactives. They raise levels of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter associated with memory in the hippocampus, by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. Through their cortisol-inhibiting properties, Sensoril® bioactives protect parts of the brain that are vulnerable to cortisol-induced neuron damage, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. They also reduce oxidative damage to neurons in the brain both by stimulating greater concentrations of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and by neutralizing free radicals directly with their own antioxidant activity.

4. Sensoril® can Help Maintain Glucose Balance.

Increasingly, more people are having difficulty with elevated blood sugar levels, Metabolic Syndrome, and insulin resistance. Research is now showing that the relationship between heightened cortisol levels and elevated blood sugar levels culminates in compromised health as a result of the way the body responds to stress (particularly psychological stress). When stressed, the body secretes cortisol, which stimulates conversion of stored energy (fat and muscle protein) into glucose to provide energy that can be rapidly metabolized to bolster the ability to run away from a stressor or rise up to confront it (known as the “fight or flight” response).

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial mentioned previously, Sensoril® significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels in subjects by an average of 4.7%.

This demonstrates that it is a highly effective anti-stress and adaptogenic agent and that Sensoril® can provide blood sugar balance support through a reduction in cortisol levels.

5. Sensoril® can Support Cardiovascular Health.

Prolonged stress can contribute to increased blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, heart disease, and atherosclerosis, all of which negatively impact cardiovascular health. Sensoril® helps support cardiovascular health in several compelling ways.

In that same double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Sensoril® significantly lowered blood pressure and improved blood lipid levels in subjects.

It also reduced their levels of C-reactive protein, an acute-phase protein that is associated with systemic inflammation and has been found to be correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Together, these clinical results demonstrate that Sensoril® enhances many factors that are associated with cardiovascular health.

The implications are clear. Sensoril is a powerful and healthy supplement to add to your regime. I use this ingredient everyday when I drink a glass of Solar Synergy. Shouldn’t you be doing the same?

Cheers!

Joe Stout B.Sc., M.S.

Joe Stout received his Bachelors of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Food Science from Washington State University. He recently finished a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Human Nutrition graduating with top honors. He has written for various magazines and is the editor of The High Road to Health.

Statements made on this blog/website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Solar Synergy™ is the newest addition to the Mt. Capra family of high quality nutrition supplements. This 7 part series looks at the several ingredients contributing to its potency and efficacy as a sports drink.

The Problem and Solution.

In the vast market of sports and energy drinks most are advertised as performance enhancing or health improving in nature. However a quick comparison of various brands and it is soon discovered that they are not so much miraculous as they are well marketed. The fact is, these caffeinated syrups do little more than over excite the nervous system and cause an inevitable crash after consumption. Unfortunately for too long, the consumer has had to suffer from an over abundance of highly processed, sugar laden, sports/energy drinks. The lineup of ingredients in these so called performance enhancing “supplements” plays like a bad detective story. In each drink, the usual suspects are rounded up (sugar, sucrose syrup, high fructose corn syrup, caffeine, artificial sweeteners/colors/stimulants, etc.) and yet each product claims “magical” performance enhancing benefits. The obvious problem is that if each drink is made with the same unhealthy ingredients, what real health benefits are there going to be? In all actuality a company can say all they want about their sugary caffeine water but I can make the same claim for a cup of stale coffee and we would both be on similar nutritional grounds (rim shot).

There are two functions of a sports drink (actually three but I’ll get to that in a moment). The first is to rehydrate the body from the effects of dehydration often brought about by mild, moderate, or intense exercise. The second, to replenish electrolytes lost by sweat and metabolic activity. Certain sports drinks handle the first function with ease because they’re composition is mainly plain water. However many miss even this simple goal by containing carbonated water which has been cited as causing a variety of health related problems. As a side note, I should mention that during my graduate research work, we found that on average around 80% of people were chronically dehydrated regardless of their level of thirst. Bottom line, you probably need more water.

The second function, that of replenishing electrolytes, is almost always either overlooked or executed poorly by the leading beverages. The discrepancy lies in the fact that the majority of the minerals found in each bottle are synthetic and exist in ratios not found in nature. For example, the potassium to sodium ratio should be around 3 parts potassium to 1 part sodium (3:1) but in almost every leading beverage I have analyzed the ratio is always 1:3, 1:4, and even 1:5. This is backwards and leans far to heavily on sodium chloride (salt) a substance which nearly everyone over-consumes.

As I alluded to earlier, there is actually a third function of sports drinks that, while rarely addressed, is absolutely crucial. I am referring to the role of antioxidants in combating the damaging effects of free radical oxidation. In a nutshell, free radicals cause oxidative damage in living organisms by disrupting a portion of DNA which then creates a new free radical. These two free radicals will then disrupt more DNA creating more free radicals, fueling a vicious cycle. The bad news is that this DNA damage is often at the root of sickness, aging, and cancer. Even worse news is that oxidation happens all the time and is difficult to avoid. But perhaps the worst news, especially for athletes, is that exercise (yes life extending exercise) creates massive amounts of free radical in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). As exercise frequency and intensity increases, so does the production of ROS. Obviously, I am not advocating against exercise as it is clearly a healthy activity. However, if we are not actively combating the ROS created during said exercise, we are taking 3 steps forward to 2 steps back.

Fortunately there is hope. Although healthy sports drinks are far and few between, there is one that addresses each of the three functions discussed above. Solar Synergy™, when mixed with pure filtered water, counteracts the effects of dehydration. It also replenishes electrolytes by providing over 20 bio-organic minerals and electrolytes in natural ratios (including a healthy 3:1 potassium to sodium ratio). Solar Synergy™ also contains an impressive array of superfruits which when paired with the aforementioned bio-organic mineral/electrolyte combo, provide an antioxidant synergy that is sure to give free radicals a knock out blow.

We have just scratched the surface of the capabilities of Solar Synergy™. Next week we will begin our journey exploring each of the different ingredients and how they enhance performance, recovery, and overall wellness. Until then…

Cheers!

Joe Stout B.Sc., M.S.

Joe Stout received his Bachelors of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Food Science from Washington State University. He recently finished a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Human Nutrition graduating with top honors. He has written for various magazines and is the editor of The High Road to Health newsletter.

By Joe Stout B.Sc. M.S. IP

As you read this, your body is waging an endless war against silent and invisible assassins. These assassins aren’t a new strain of swine flu, they haven’t caused any widespread panic, and no amount of antibiotics or vaccines will get rid of them. They are free radicals and they, and the oxidative damage they cause, are here to stay. Every single human on God’s green earth is engaged in this battle and the consequences of this war are linked with diabetes, hypertension, cancer and many other disease states. These microscopic hit-men (free radicals) are infinitesimally small and are continuously attacking and destroying the very foundation of our living cells, our DNA. Free radical oxidation happens everyday; when we eat, when we work, and especially when we exercise.

Free radicals cause oxidative damage and although they are invisible to the human eye, their effects can be noticed in mere minutes. Find an apple, cut it in half, then wait and within moments, oxygen molecules will attack the flesh of the apple, cause oxidative damage, and cause the apple to turn brown. In living organisms, this occurs as well. There is often a chain reaction wherein one free radical disrupts a portion of DNA which creates a new free radical. These two free radicals will then create more free radicals, fueling a vicious cycle.

So is there any hope? What can we possibly do to slow or prevent the role of free radical induced oxidative damage? First, there are some things to avoid. Although total elimination of oxidative damage is impossible, there are many lifestyle practices that if engaged in will increase damage. Some practices that speed up free radical oxidative damage are smoking, eating charred/fried foods, and overexposure to ultra-violet (UV) light, (ie sun/tanning bed). Merely avoiding these practices is an excellent way to slow down oxidative damage.

But should we really only play defense when it comes to our health? As the adage goes, “the best defense, is a good offense” and that is exactly the position we need to take to combat oxidative damage. Free radicals have a veritable foe in the oxidation war, they are called, you guessed it, antioxidants. Let’s go back to the apple analogy from earlier and instead of having the apple merely “avoid” unhealthy practices like smoking and extreme UV exposure, let’s have the apple take the offense. We will douse the apple slice with a potent antioxidant such as lemon juice and then wait for oxidation to occur. We had better have a good book to read because it is going to be a lot longer wait than before. The lemon juice is packed with ascorbic acid, (aka vitamin C) which prevents the apple from oxidizing. Vitamin C is only one of a long list of antioxidants. Others include vitamin A, vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, glutathione, and astaxanthin. There is a much longer list than just these few, and all of these antioxidants are working to neutralize the damaging effects of oxidation. Antioxidants are literal life savers because if we didn’t have these “good guys” in our system, free radical oxidation (the bad guys) would kill us in a matter of days. It is really that crucial!

Now that we’ve got the background, let’s hear some bad news. Oxidation happens all the time. Sometimes we can avoid it, sometimes we can’t. Exercise is an area where we just can’t avoid oxidation. Free radical damage will happen if and when you exercise. But as we all know, exercise is a cornerstone of health and therefore it is an interesting juxtaposition that exercise can actually induce a life shortening process like free radical oxidation. When we exercise we generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which function as free radicals. As exercise intensity increases, so does the production of ROS. The problem, as we have seen above, is that these highly unstable (reactive) oxygen species are directly responsible for causing oxidative damage during exercise. In fact, ROS has been shown to have a highly negative impact on muscle performance as well as muscle recovery. Therefore, everyone involved in a daily exercise routine must make getting enough antioxidants a priority!

The natural question at this point is “what foods have the most antioxidants?” and the answer is, “those foods with a high ORAC value.” The ORAC value stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity and is based on how many free radicals a specific food can absorb or neutralize. So, if a cucumber has an ORAC value of 214 and a yellow bell pepper has an ORAC value of 694 then the bell pepper has the capacity to absorb three times more free radicals than the cucumber. The higher the ORAC, the higher the antioxidant power. Simple enough.

Mt. Capra’s SOLAR ENERGY™ is the perfect choice for athletes and non-athletes who are looking for a sports recovery drink that not only refuels their electrolyte stores but also delivers an antioxidant knock-out blow to the destructive force of oxidation. SOLAR ENERGY™ contains a proprietary blend of superfoods, antioxidants, and electrolytes, the primary being Capra Mineral Whey.™

Intense exercise will always produce free radical oxidation as well as diminish the body of crucial electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, and potassium. The Capra Mineral Whey™ that is found in SOLAR ENERGY™ supplies the body with much needed bio-organic sources of over 20 minerals. Remember that bio-organic, or wholefood sourced minerals, are key. There are countless sport recovery drinks that contain nothing more than table salt and sugar water and have no natural food sources. Mt. Capra has really taken SOLAR ENERGY™ to the next level by insisting all their electrolytes/antioxidants, have a natural food source. Along with supplying key minerals/electrolytes, SOLAR ENERGY™ contains such superfoods as goji berries, wild blueberries, acerola cherries, and many more! These superfoods combined with the bio-organic minerals present in Capra Mineral Whey™ make for a powerful post-workout recovery drink. When SOLAR ENERGY™ is combined with Mt. Capra’s Double Bonded Protein™ the pair creates a synergistic muscle recovery duo that can replenish systemic electrolytes, fuel new muscle growth/repair, and stave off dangerous free radical oxidation

Terry Perry has been a Registered Dietitian for over 25 years. Her expertise ranges from disease prevention to nutrition education. Being the former Chief Clinical Dietitian of Holy Family Hospital in Spokane WA, she has valuable experience that she has graciously agreed to share with us in this issue of The High Road to Health. During this interview Terry and I discussed the extraordinarily important and often overlooked mineral/electrolyte known as potassium.

As a Registered Dietitian, what experience have you had working with potassium?
I would say that most of my work involving potassium has been with patients that have a potassium deficiency due to medications they are taking to control high blood pressure.

What kind of foods are high in potassium?
The best sources of potassium are foods that are closest to their original state. Whole, unprocessed foods such as fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grains, fish and meat are great sources of potassium. I’ve included this chart with some examples of foods that are high in potassium.

What is the role of potassium?
Potassium is both an electrolyte and a mineral. As a mineral potassium works with sodium,calcium and magnesium to regulate the body’s water balance, maintain normal heart rhythm and is responsible for sending nerve impulses to contract muscles. Potassium works with calcium to relax muscles as well as assists in regulating the acid base balance in the body. It also helps release energy from protein and carbohydrates. Potassium is necessary for the building of muscle and for normal body growth.

What correlation does potassium have with heart health?
Potassium can affect heart health in several different ways. As an electrolyte in the body, potassium helps to regulate heartbeat. Low potassium levels can result in an irregular heartbeat. Another heart condition that can affect potassium levels in the body is congestive heart failure. When your body is retaining fluid as often happens with heart failure, the doctor may recommend limiting how much liquid you get. Many people are prescribed diuretics or water pills such as Lasix to help them get rid of extra water and sodium and reduce the heart’s work load. Along with the release of water and sodium goes potassium, often resulting in a potassium deficiency Research has shown that potassium may help lower blood pressure. The DASH study (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) found that a diet that included 9-10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grains, low fat fish and poultry, beans, seeds and nuts significantly reduced blood pressure in allsubjects. Researchers believe that it is the combination of foods high in potassium,magnesium, and calcium that was effective in lowering blood pressure.

What are some symptoms of potassium deficiency?
Low potassium can have very serious side effects. The greatest losses result from long term diarrhea, vomiting, or laxative use. Potassium loss also comes from taking certain diuretics to treat high blood pressure. Some of the symptoms of low potassium levels in the blood, aka, hypokalemia, include muscle weakness, muscle aches, and muscle cramps. You may even feel sick to your stomach, anxious, drowsy or weak. Because potassium helps regulate heart rate, low levels may cause irregular heart beat.

What kinds of drugs interfere with potassium?
Some diuretics may decrease your body’s supply of potassium. Drugs used to treat heart disease or congestive heart failure such as beta-blockers, ace inhibitors and calcium channel blockers can affect potassium levels. Prednisone and Aminoglycosides like Tobramycin can cause low potassium levels.

What population is most at risk for a deficiency?
The most at risk are those with high blood pressure who are being treated with non potassium sparing diuretics. Also at risk of developing deficiency are people with gastrointestinal diseases that cause frequent vomiting and diarrhea, patients withelevated corticosteroid levels, either from medications like prednisone, or fromCushing’s syndrome, and those with elevated levels of aldosterone.

Is there a set amount of potassium that should be ingested daily?
Because of potassium’s health benefits, the recommended adequate intake of potassium for teens and adults is 4700 milligrams daily. (The exception are people with kidney disease or severe congestive heart failure, who may have trouble getting rid of the mineral and must limit their intake).

What is the most desirable ratio of sodium to potassium?
Potassium is about twice as plentiful as sodium in the body. By far the larger portion is found inside the cell, since potassium (K+) is the major cation (positively chargedion) of the intracellular fluid. However the relatively small amount in extracellular fluid has a significant effect on muscle activity, especially heart muscle.

What effect does canning fruits and vegetables have on their potassium content?
Whether a food is cooked or put in a can it loses potassium. Manufacturers add sodium to canned foods for flavor or as a preservative, when we eat these foods; we deplete our potassium stores to handle the excess sodium. Many researchers feel that the resulting sodium-potassium imbalance is one reason why the U.S, incidence of hypertension (high blood pressure) keeps climbing.

What are your thoughts on Mt. Capra’s Capra Mineral Whey?
Capra Mineral Whey (CMW) is a minimally processed, whole food source of minerals and vitamins. It contains a unique blend of potassium, phosphorous, sodium and magnesium. CMW uses a highly concentrated alkaline formulation that does not upset the normal acid base balance of the body. CMW provides nearly 1000mg of potassium per serving! CMW comes from goats that are free of pesticides, herbicides, and growth hormones. It is an ideal formula for people who cannot meet their minerals needs in their daily diet.

Thanks so much for the education! Any final tips you could give our readers for maintaining a healthy heart?
Well you know if you make a habit offollowing a diet that includes 8-10 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy products, low fat sources of protein, such as fish, poultry, beans, and nuts is a great way to lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke. Including plenty of foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium and phosphorous will help keep a healthy heart, as well as keep you feeling great.

By Dr. Thomas R. Cooke D.O

Thomas R. Cooke, Doctor of Osteopathy; Graduated in 1976 from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. For over thirty years Dr Cooke has been caring for patients in a culture of holistic treatment, practicing a preventative illness approach, while teaching and encouraging patients the importance of wellness care.

“Milk, it does a body good.” This was the marketing mantra employed by the cow industry in the 1980’s to boost interest in cow’s milk. The campaign was wildly successful and as a result, The Dairy Farmers of America have reported sales topping 11 billion dollars in 2007. But does the overwhelming popularity of cow’s milk in the United States signify that it really is the best? Should we assume that quantity equates quality when referring to a substance that is such an integral part of our food supply? Interestingly enough, when worldwide consumption of milk is taken into account, it is not cow’s milk that is most popular but goat’s milk. In fact 65% of the milk consumption worldwide is from goat’s milk, and this popularity hasn’t come about due to high profile marketing campaigns or big-budget advertisements. The reasons for the worldwide popularity of goat’s milk are multifaceted. First, we need to remind ourselves that “All milk is not created equal.”

The differences between cow’s milk and goat’s milk may not seem apparent upon first examination. A closer look, however, reveals several key factors that play an integral part in how milk (from either cows or goats) matches up with the human body in its various stages. All humans have been created to be sustained entirely upon mothers’ milk for at least the first six months of life. There is no other food in the world better than mothers’ milk, and it truly shows both in the laboratory and the real world. But what about after these first few months are over, and one is faced with the rest of life? Why would someone choose goat’s milk products over the far more popular and accessible cow’s milk?

Here are some reasons:
1. Goat’s milk is less allergenic.
2. Goat’s milk is naturally homogenized.
3. Goat’s milk is easier to digest.
4. Goat’s milk rarely causes lactose intolerance.
5. Goat’s milk matches up to the human body better than cow’s milk.

1. Goat milk is less allergenic.
In the United State the most common food allergy for children under three is cow’s milk. Mild side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes and severe effects can be as serious as anaphylactic shock! Needless to say it is a serious condition. The allergic reaction can be blamed on a protein allergen known as Alpha s1 Casein found in high levels in cow’s milk. The levels of Alpha s1 Casein in goat’s milk are about 89% less than cow’s milk providing a far less allergenic food. In fact a recent study of infants allergic to cow’s milk found that nearly 93% could drink goat’s milk with virtually no side effects!

2. Goat’s milk is naturally homogenized.
If you were to place both a glass of fresh cow’s milk as well as fresh goat’s milk in the refrigerator overnight, the next morning you would find that while the goat’s milk looks exactly the same, the cow’s milk has separated into two distinct ‘phases’ of cream on the top and skim milk on the bottom. This is a natural separation process that is caused by a compound called agglutinin and it will always cause the cow’s milk to separate. As Americans, we like everything neat and tidy and so to get the milk to the consumer in a uniform manner, the dairy industry utilizes a process called homogenization. This method works by forcing the fluid milk through a tiny hole under tremendous pressure which destroys the fat globule cell wall and allows the milk and cream to stay homogeneous or suspended and well mixed.
The problem with such homogenization is that once the cell wall of the fat globule has been broken, it releases a superoxide (free radical) known as Xanthine Oxidase. Now free radicals cause a host of problems in the body not the least of which is DNA mutations which often lead to cancer! Thus, the benefit of natural homogenization comes into clear view. Goat’s milk has smaller fat globules and does not contain agglutinin which allows it to stay naturally homogenized thus eliminating the dangers associated with homogenization.

3. Goat’s milk is easier to digest.
Goat’s milk has smaller fat globules as well as higher levels of medium chain fatty acids. This means that during digestion, each fat globule and individual fatty acid will have a larger surface-to-volume ratio resulting in a quicker and easier digestion process. Also, when the proteins found in milk denature (clump up) in the stomach, they form a much softer bolus (curd) than cow’s milk. This allows the body to digest the protein more smoothly and completely than when digesting cow’s milk.

4. Goat’s milk rarely causes lactose intolerance.
All milk contains certain levels of lactose which is also known as ‘milk sugar.’ A relatively large portion of the population suffers from a deficiency (not an absence) of an enzyme known as lactase which is used to, you guessed it, digest lactose. This deficiency results in a condition known as lactose intolerance which is a fairly common ailment. (Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy (cma) are two distinct conditions. CMA is due to a protein allergen, while lactose intolerance is due to a carbohydrate sensitivity.)

Goat’s milk contains less lactose than cow’s milk and therefore is easier to digest for those suffering from lactose intolerance. Now the interesting aspect to consider is that goat’s milk isn’t much lower than cow’s milk (contains about 10% less than cow’s milk) and yet, countless lactose intolerant patients are able to thrive on goat’s milk. Although the answer for this is unclear, it has been hypothesized that since goat’s milk is digested and absorbed in a superior manner, there is no “leftover” lactose that remains undigested which causes the painful and uncomfortable effects of lactose intolerance.

5. Goat’s milk matches up to the human body better than cow’s milk.
This matter is both an issue of biochemistry as well as thermodynamics. Regarding the biochemistry of the issue, we know that goat’s milk has a greater amount of essential fatty acids such as linoleic and arachidonic acid than cow’s milk as well as significantly greater amounts of vitamin B-6, vitamin A, and niacin. Goat’s milk is also a far superior source of the vitally important nutrient potassium which we discussed in a previous High Road to Health issue. This extensive amount of potassium causes goat’s milk to react in an alkaline way within the body whereas cow’s milk is lacking in potassium and ends up reacting in an acidic way.

Thermodynamically speaking, goat’s milk is better for human consumption. A baby usually starts life at around 7-9 pounds, a baby goat (kid) usually starts life at around 7-9 pounds, and a baby cow (calf) usually starts life at around 100 pounds. Now speaking from a purely thermodynamic position, these two animals have very significant and different nutritional needs for both maintenance and growth requirements. Cow’s milk is designed to take a 100 pound calf and transform it into a 1200 pound cow. Goat’s milk and human milk were both designed and created for transforming a 7-9 pound baby/kid into an average adult/goat of anywhere between 100-200 pounds. This significant discrepancy, along with many others, is manifesting on a national level as obesity rates sky rocket in the U.S.

To conclude, we have seen that goat’s milk has several attributes that cause it to be a far superior choice to cow’s milk. Goat’s milk is less allergenic, naturally homogenized, easier to digest, lactose intolerant friendly, and biochemically/thermodynamically superior to cow’s milk. As if these benefits were not enough, Mt. Capra’s goat’s milk does not contain any growth hormones or antibiotics that massive cow dairies have come to rely upon to turn a profit! So to sum up and paraphrase the cow industry catchphrase: “Goat’s Milk: It Does a Body Good.