Camel milk may be a "new" milk to us in the western world, but it's been used for centuries by the nomadic people of the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia to help them maintain their health despite living in a harsh environment
It's now commercially produced and sold in many countries, as well as available online in powdered and frozen versions.
With cow's and various plant-and-animal based milks readily at your disposal, you may wonder why some people like Kim Kardashian choose camel milk.

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the possible health properties of camel milk.

Here are 5 benefits of camel milk that are making it the new superfood:

1. Rich in nutrientsCamel milk is rich in many nutrients that are important for overall health.

When it comes to calories, protein, and carb content, camel milk is comparable to whole cow's milk. However, it's lower in saturated fat and offers more vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium.
It's also a good source of healthy fats, such as long-chain fatty acids, linoleic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids, which may support brain and heart health.

2. May be a better option for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies

Lactose intolerance is a common condition caused by a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest the sugar in dairy known as lactose. It can cause bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consumption of dairy products.

Camel milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, making it more tolerable for many people with lactose intolerance.

One study in 25 people with this condition found that only 2 participants had a mild reaction to roughly 1 cup (250 ml) of camel milk, while the rest were unaffected.

What's more, camel milk has been used to treat diarrhea caused by rotavirus for hundreds of years. Research suggests that the milk contains antibodies that help treat this diarrheal disease, which is especially common in children.

3. May lower blood sugar and insulin

Camel milk has been shown to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The milk contains insulin-like proteins, which may be responsible for its antidiabetic activity. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Studies indicate that camel milk provides the equivalent of 52 units of insulin per about 4 cups (1 liter). It's also high in zinc, which may help improve insulin sensitivity.

In a 2-month study in 20 adults with type 2 diabetes, insulin sensitivity improved among those drinking 2 cups (500 ml) of camel milk, but not among the cow's milk group.

4. May aid brain conditions and autism spectrum disorder

Camel milk has been studied for its effects on behavioral conditions in children, the clinical evidence from multiple studies indicates that it may improve symptoms in those with autism. Existing clinical & anecdotal evidence indicates that camel milk may provide potential benefits that improve cognition, social communication & symptoms of aggravated behavior.

Autism spectrum disorder is one of several neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Down Syndrome, Parkinson's, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar disorder. Extensive studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathology of these disorders. Additionally, autism and the disorders mentioned earlier are considered to be autoimmune diseases and the etiology is not clearly understood with many factors currently being considered.

The research on camel milk as a therapy to treat these type of neurological disorders is very promising, however, it should not be used instead of standard treatments for them. The FDA has not evaluated camel milk for the treatment of any of these neurological disorders.

5. Easy to add to your dietCamel milk can almost always replace other types of milk.

It can be consumed plain or used in coffee, tea, smoothies, baked goods, sauces, soups, mac and cheese, and pancake and waffle batters.

There may be subtle differences in taste depending on where the milk comes from. American camel milk is said to have a sweet, slightly salty, and creamy taste, while camel milk from the Middle East has a more nutty and smoky flavor.

Camel milk products like soft cheese, yogurt, and butter are not widely available due to challenges in processing that are attributed to the composition of camel milk.