Latest news with #camelmilk
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Camel milk rises as superfood with low lactose, vitamin-rich composition
Camel milk, once confined to traditional Emirati households and niche markets, is now being reinterpreted as a modern superfood that is rich in nutrients. In addition to being a vitamin-rich food with naturally low lactose levels, it is also high in vitamin C, iron, and proteins that support the immune system. Some reports have also suggested that consuming this nutrient may lead to improvements in autism symptoms. Due to its unique composition and immune-modulating properties, camel milk has emerged as a promising complementary ingredient in the treatment of autism. "Camel milk is a safe option for many children with autism, providing a valuable complementary approach within an integrative treatment framework," Dr Yasir Shafi, homeopathy practitioner at Wellth, told Khaleej Times. Camel milk is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and the antioxidant vitamin C. It supports gut health, reduces oxidative stress, and may enhance behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Studies, including those published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, have noted improvements in social interaction, motor planning, and behavior in individuals who consume camel milk under medical supervision. Its A2-like protein composition and low allergen content make it a safe option for people with autism. Milana Boskovic, director of marketing and R&D at Al Ain Farms Group, noted, "Research is currently being conducted on its potential benefits for individuals with autism. It is widely regarded as a clean, natural alternative with minimal processing." A heritage of nutrition Camel milk has been a vital part of Bedouin diets for centuries. Beyond staple food, camels were the primary source of life preservation, as the Bedouins used camels not only to provide milk and meat but also as the main way of transportation and shelter from harsh cold temperatures during winter nights. Camels hold cultural, nutritional, and economic significance in Emirati heritage, and they are protected under UAE law and regulations. The UAE preserves its welfare and movement, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance. These measures include rules for grazing, importing and exporting camels, and guidelines for camel racing. Global milk market "According to a recent market report by SkyQuest Technology, the global camel milk market was valued up to $15.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow further," said Boskovic. Export opportunities are growing, particularly in regions such as Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, where demand for lactose-free and functional foods is increasing. With long-life milk and powder formats, the UAE is well-positioned to tap into this potential. She explained camel milk is increasingly recognized for its superior nutritional profile. It is hypoallergenic and rich in high-value proteins, as well as calcium. It is easily digestible, even for individuals with lactose intolerance, and can be used by the general population as well as those with specific dietary needs. Camel milk is becoming more attractive to health-conscious consumers looking for natural, functional alternatives to traditional dairy — whether for wellness, digestion, or a native booster for the immune system. The milk contains bioactive compounds like lactoferrin, lysozymes, and immunoglobulins that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These components help strengthen the immune response, protect against harmful pathogens, and may support gut health — a crucial aspect of overall immunity. Some of the most recognized benefits include: • Easier digestion due to lower lactose content • Support for diabetes management thanks to its insulin-like proteins • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects It is creamy in texture and contains healthy fats, making it easy for the gut to tolerate. Boskovic noted that raw camel milk is unprocessed, and it may contain risks for people if taken on the spot fresh from the animal — we would certainly never recommend that. 'As with all milk, camel milk should be cooked to avoid ingesting any bacteria that may come from the process of outside collection from the camel.' 'Pasteurized camel milk is heat-treated at a temperature of up to 90°C to eliminate bacteria, then cooled for bottling and consumption, with a shelf life of up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator,' she added. Consumption has remained stable, evolving from a traditional staple to a modern wellness product. The UAE has seen several initiatives — from government-backed food security strategies to private-sector innovation. Al Ain Farms Group is the first global company to successfully develop the natural option of long-life milk without any chemicals added. They plan to commercialize the launch further, capturing increasing consumer demand for the product both domestically and internationally. Key challenges in producing milk include high production costs and low consumer awareness of the functional and healthy benefits naturally contained in camel milk. Some regions are more developed in accepting camel milk and understanding its benefits, but global awareness still needs to be developed.
Malay Mail
07-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Camel milk turns into ‘white gold' in Tunisia thanks to science, women, and growing demand
MÉDENINE (Tunisia), June 8 — Deep in Tunisia's desert south, camels stride toward humming milking machines. Their milk is at the heart of a women-led project promising an economic lifeline for disadvantaged communities. Spearheading this effort is 32-year-old Latifa Frifita, who launched Tunisia's first, and so far only, camel milk pasteurisation unit two years ago in Medenine. The unit is based on research by Amel Sboui, 45, a senior biochemist at the Institute of Arid Regions, who succeeded in patenting a pasteurisation method that preserves camel milk's 'nutritional and therapeutic qualities' while extending its shelf life to two weeks. Containing up to five times more iron than cow's milk, camel milk is non-allergenic and some studies have suggested that it has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Pasteurisation of camel milk is essential to bringing it to wider markets because the milk is highly perishable. Amel Sboui, 45, a senior biochemist at the Institute of Arid Regions. — AFP pic Sboui and her lab of ten researchers — eight of them women — also conducted clinical trials at the regional hospital which showed that consuming the milk could help diabetic patients reduce their medication doses by up to half in some cases. Growing demand Jobs and investment in southern Tunisia are scarce, yet entrepreneur Frifita has pinned her hopes on a product long undervalued by local herders and is working to change their minds. At first, she said she faced many challenges when trying to convince the herders to sell milk instead of meat — a far more common commodity. 'They didn't see the point,' she said while testing a fresh sample of the milk, wearing a hairnet. 'They usually keep it for themselves or give it away for free.' But, having built 'a relationship of trust' and with demand for the product growing, Frifita said she planned to reach further agreements with breeders. Frifita, who holds a master's degree in food technologies, began sketching out her idea in 2016, but it was not until 2023 that she launched ChameLait with the support of the Institute, which provided her startup with premises to operate. Today, she is happy to 'promote a local product that defines southern Tunisia', where dromedaries are a fixture of the landscape, she said. Tunisian entrepreneur Latifa Frifita (right), 32, the founder of the startup 'Chamelait', and her sister Besma, monitor the bottling of camel milk at the headquarters of the Institute of Arid Regions in Medenine. — AFP pic A mother of a two-year-old girl, she said she chose to 'stay and invest in her region' rather than following her sports coach husband to the Middle East. The station in Chenchou, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Medenine, also serves as a training site for herders to learn mechanised milking, which yields up to seven litres a day compared to just two litres with traditional hand milking. Frifita now runs the business alongside two other women — one of them her older sister, Besma — producing about 500 litres of pasteurised milk per week with the aim of doubling their output within two years. ChameLait sells its products on demand and through a dozen retail shops, starting at 12 Tunisian dinars (about RM17) per litre — double the price Frifita pays breeders. And the demand has been growing. Amel Sboui, a 45-year-old senior researcher at the Institute, said this was largely due to word of mouth because of 'people realising the milk's health benefits'. 'A future in Tunisia' Beyond ChameLait and with more research needed, Sboui said he saw additional potential in freeze-dried camel milk, which could one day be sold 'as a medicine, a functional food or food supplement'. The Institute views Frifita's business as a model enterprise. Established under a programme by Tunisia's first president, Habib Bourguiba, the organisation aims to use scientific research to benefit the country's harshest and most neglected areas. Medenine, with a population of a little over half a million, suffers from high levels of poverty and unemployment — 22 and 19 per cent respectively, compared to national averages of 15 and 16 per cent. A man milks a camel at the Chenchou experimental station in the El- Hamma region of southern Tunisia. — AFP pic These conditions have driven thousands of young people to leave, either for coastal cities or to seek opportunities abroad. 'Our primary goal, even as a research centre, is to create added value and jobs,' said Moez Louhichi, head of innovation at the Institute. By supporting 'farmers and young entrepreneurs in promoting the region's resources, we encourage them to build their future here in Tunisia'. Since 2010, the Institute has helped launch 80 businesses, creating between 600 and 1,000 jobs, according to Louhichi. A major camel milk collection centre is expected to open by the end of 2025 to expand mechanised milking in the region. Louhichi said this would help the sector grow, turning the once-overlooked commodity into southern Tunisia's 'white gold'. — AFP
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
In Tunisia's arid south, camel milk offers hope for economic gain
Deep in Tunisia's desert south, camels stride toward humming milking machines. Their milk is at the heart of a women-led project promising an economic lifeline for disadvantaged communities. Spearheading this effort is 32-year-old Latifa Frifita, who launched Tunisia's first, and so far only, camel milk pasteurisation unit two years ago in Medenine. The unit is based on research by Amel Sboui, 45, a senior biochemist at the Institute of Arid Regions, who succeeded in patenting a pasteurisation method that preserves camel milk's "nutritional and therapeutic qualities" while extending its shelf life to two weeks. Containing up to five times more iron than cow's milk, camel milk is non-allergenic and some studies have suggested that it has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Pasteurisation of camel milk is essential to bringing it to wider markets because the milk is highly perishable. Sboui and her lab of ten researchers -- eight of them women -- also conducted clinical trials at the regional hospital which showed that consuming the milk could help diabetic patients reduce their medication doses by up to half in some cases. - Growing demand - Jobs and investment in southern Tunisia are scarce, yet entrepreneur Frifita has pinned her hopes on a product long undervalued by local herders and is working to change their minds. At first, she said she faced many challenges when trying to convince the herders to sell milk instead of meat -- a far more common commodity. "They didn't see the point," she said while testing a fresh sample of the milk, wearing a hairnet. "They usually keep it for themselves or give it away for free." But, having built "a relationship of trust" and with demand for the product growing, Frifita said she planned to reach further agreements with breeders. Frifita, who holds a master's degree in food technologies, began sketching out her idea in 2016, but it was not until 2023 that she launched ChameLait with the support of the Institute, which provided her startup with premises to operate. Today, she is happy to "promote a local product that defines southern Tunisia", where dromedaries are a fixture of the landscape, she said. A mother of a two-year-old girl, she said she chose to "stay and invest in her region" rather than following her sports coach husband to the Middle East. The station in Chenchou, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Medenine, also serves as a training site for herders to learn mechanised milking, which yields up to seven litres a day compared to just two litres with traditional hand milking. Frifita now runs the business alongside two other women -- one of them her older sister, Besma -- producing about 500 litres of pasteurised milk per week with the aim of doubling their output within two years. ChameLait sells its products on demand and through a dozen retail shops, starting at 12 Tunisian dinars (about $4) per litre -- double the price Frifita pays breeders. And the demand has been growing. Amel Sboui, a 45-year-old senior researcher at the Institute, said this was largely due to word of mouth because of "people realising the milk's health benefits". - 'A future in Tunisia' - Beyond ChameLait and with more research needed, Sboui said he saw additional potential in freeze-dried camel milk, which could one day be sold "as a medicine, a functional food or food supplement". The Institute views Frifita's business as a model enterprise. Established under a programme by Tunisia's first president, Habib Bourguiba, the organisation aims to use scientific research to benefit the country's harshest and most neglected areas. Medenine, with a population of a little over half a million, suffers from high levels of poverty and unemployment -- 22 and 19 percent respectively, compared to national averages of 15 and 16 percent. These conditions have driven thousands of young people to leave, either for coastal cities or to seek opportunities abroad. "Our primary goal, even as a research centre, is to create added value and jobs," said Moez Louhichi, head of innovation at the Institute. By supporting "farmers and young entrepreneurs in promoting the region's resources, we encourage them to build their future here in Tunisia". Since 2010, the Institute has helped launch 80 businesses, creating between 600 and 1,000 jobs, according to Louhichi. A major camel milk collection centre is expected to open by the end of 2025 to expand mechanised milking in the region. Louhichi said this would help the sector grow, turning the once-overlooked commodity into southern Tunisia's "white gold". fka/bou/dcp
