Maua: Residents of Maua Town are increasingly turning to camel milk, attracted by its impressive health benefits and suitability for people with dietary sensitivities. Once mainly consumed in arid areas, especially in the northern parts of Kenya, camel milk is now finding its place among the residents of Maua town.
According to Kenya News Agency, Grace Safari, a nutritionist at Nyambene Level 4 Hospital, emphasized the significant health value of camel milk. She noted that camel milk contains high levels of vitamin C, iron, calcium, and natural immune-boosting compounds that support overall health. "Camel milk is easier to digest and helps regulate blood sugar," said Safari, adding that "it has natural insulin-like proteins, making it ideal for people managing diabetes. It also contains fewer allergens, so it's suitable for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies."
Safari further revealed that camel milk is beneficial to pregnant mothers due to its high iron and calcium content, which are vital in supporting blood production and bone health, both essential during pregnancy. She maintained that camel milk contains natural immune-boosting compounds such as lactoferrin and lysozyme, which help to fight bacteria and viruses and support overall immune health, especially in children and the elderly. "The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in camel milk protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress, hence helping in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease," the doctor noted.
Alhaji Abdi, a hotel owner at Maua market, reports a steady rise in sales of camel milk, with more customers asking for camel milk due to lower fat and cholesterol levels compared to cow or goat milk. "I used to bring 10 litres of camel milk from Isiolo; now I bring 30 litres due to the surge in demand for the product," Abdi said. He further noted that he sells a litre of camel milk at Sh200.