The use of Donkey’s milk today reminds of a time long gone by when it was fed to young girls and boys in N. Italia; who were suffering from allergies to Cow’s Milk products. It has become quite a fashion these days but it has been consumed for centuries.
As early as 460BC it was being prescribed by Hippocrates for just about anything, from snake bites to nosebleeds. In Ancient Greek culture, it was an item of family use and the Romans used it as a tonic to soften the facial skin. It is said that even Cleopatra used to take bath in asses’ milk to further improve her beauty. Furthermore, up till the nineteenth century in England, it was used as a substitute to breast milk.
When it comes to milk allergies, milk from other animals does not constitute good alternatives because the allergens are the same. Even soya whole milk has been found to be allergic in babies. As a result, an increasing number of pediatricians are advocating the use of donkey’s milk as an alternative.
Doctor Giovanna Monti is of the view: “We tend to make use of milk products typically for young children who’re allergic to particular proteins located in cows’ milk. These kinds of proteins will often be moreover found in formulated milk in addition.”
Donkey’s milk also contains less saturated fat, and is high in omega six and omega three fatty acids. It contains good amounts of calcium and an enzyme lysozyme that helps reduce intestinal bacterial infections. With milk allergies and lactose intolerance high in Southern Europe, donkey’s milk can be used as a safe alternative to conventional milk.
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