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Of the five varieties – cow’s, camel’s, goat’s, almond, oat and rice, Dr Bedi outlines each of their benefits.

Cow’s milk, which is the most widely consumed variety, is an excellent source of calcium.

“It’s a perfect package of nutrients and vitamins,” detailed Dr Bedi. “Besides calcium, it also contains phosphorus, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, niacin and riboflavin.”

She added that cow’s milk is also an important source of protein, with “each glass containing almost 8 grams”, it helps build “muscles and maintain healthy nails and hair”.

Of the other types, almond milk, she explains is the “appropriate choice for those on a heart-friendly diet” because it has “neither saturated fat nor cholesterol”.

Almond milk has “less sodium and more potassium compared to cow’s milk, hence making it the apt choice for people suffering with high blood pressure”.

But, before you make the switch you must be aware that “almond milk contains very little protein”.

Almond milk contains “more nutrients like vitamin E, iron, phosphorus and magnesium than dairy milk” and helps cut down calories.

“It’s perfect for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac diseases.” Dr Bedi stressed that it’s also a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.

Another option for lactose intolerant people is soy and goat’s milk.

In fact, goat’s milk contains all the essential amino acids without the heavy fat content, and helps in digestion. It’s also a great source for Vitamin A, riboflavin and strengthens your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies.

Including soy milk in your daily diet would “lower the triglyceride and low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels and increase high density lipoproteins (HDL) levels in the blood”.

Dr Bedi added, “Soy milk contains antioxidants which help fight free radicals in our body thereby preventing the risk of cancer. It also helps reduce menopausal symptoms.”

Unlike cow’s milk, it has unsaturated fat.

And, like almond milk, “the soy protein also helps in weight loss”.

Another option that drives weight loss is oat milk. “It’s high in fibre and iron, and low in calories, fat and sugars. Oat milk also contains phytochemicals which have heart protective properties.”

According to her, rice milk might not be as creamy as cow’s milk, but has a neutral flavour. “It’s a good alternative for people who have milk allergy and have restrictions on cholesterol and fat. Since it is low in calcium, I’d advise people to pick the fortified ones.”

However, it’s unsuitable for diabetic people as it contains high amounts of starch. “Rice milk can cause sudden overload of sugar in such people.”

Diabetics can, in fact, subscribe to camel milk, which is a “rich source of insulin”.

“Research conducted in the past suggest that camel milk helps in curing various allergies (both milk and food) in children and adults. Also it helps in curing auto immune diseases.

“It contains almost ten times more iron than cow's milk.”

She, however, emphasised that “none of the non-dairy milks should be given to children below the age of two years as they do not have enough protein or fat.

“In case the child has milk allergy then non-dairy beverages can be considered, but parents must ensure these beverages are either enriched or fortified.”

source: http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirate ... 4-1.544295