The Benefits of Drinking Pure and Organic Milk
It is common to find processed foods and artificial ingredients in most grocery stores today, and determining which foods can genuinely support our health is challenging.
However, one food has remained natural and nutritious over time: pure and organic milk.
Milk has remained among the most sought-after dairy products for thousands of years. It is well-known to be very nutritious and available in organic and conventional milk varieties.
The demand for organic foods has risen recently as more people choose foods like organic milk. In the United States, organic dairy products account for 15% of all organic foods.
Most milk consumers prefer organic cow milk to conventional cow milk because it is more nutritious. It is also well-known to be safer to consume than raw milk.
This article will provide comprehensive information on organic milk, including its benefits and comparison to conventional milk.
What is Organic Milk?
Organic milk is a dairy product from cows raised on farms following strict animal welfare, environmental protection, and food safety guidelines.
How is it Different from Conventional Milk?
The significant difference between organic and conventional milk is evident in the agricultural processes implemented during milk production.
Conventional dairy farmers can use synthetic bovine growth hormone (BGH), an FDA-approved drug that enhances milk production. They can also use antibiotics if necessary to prevent infections.
On the other hand, just like in organic farming, organic milk producers should comply with USDA organic rules. They can’t inject cows with growth hormones or give them antibiotics. Additionally, producers should only give certified organic feed to the cows.
Furthermore, organic milk can last considerably longer than regular milk. It is because it goes through a process called ultra-high temperature pasteurization, which involves heating the milk to 138–150°C (280–302°F) for one or two seconds. This is in contrast to conventional dairy, which is heated to 161°F for 15 seconds.
The cost of producing organic milk is relatively more expensive than having conventional dairy. The average organic milk price in the United States is around $5-7 per gallon and $3-4 for a gallon of regular milk.
Importance of Drinking Pure and Natural milk
Several reasons reveal the importance of drinking pure and natural milk, some of which are:
Absence of Harmful Substances
Pure milk has zero harmful substances that can lead to any health deficiency. The cows are 100% grass-fed as they graze on organic pasture that does not contain antibiotics and synthetic hormones, as you would find in conventional milk.
Contains Essential Nutrients
Calcium, Vitamin D, and protein are essential nutrients in pure and natural milk. These nutrients help promote good health and build strong bones and healthy teeth.
Tastes Better
Pure milk tastes richer and creamier than milk treated extensively or processed with additives. You can clearly differentiate organic from not with the distinction of its raw taste.
Health Benefits of Drinking Pure and Natural Milk
There are several health benefits associated with consuming pure and natural milk. Generally speaking, including this milk in your diet can significantly improve your diet and overall well-being. Some of these health benefits include:
Improved Hydration
In maintaining proper bodily functions, the body must stay hydrated. And milk is a perfect source of hydration.
Increased Nutrient Absorption
The Vitamin D present in organic milk aids the body in absorbing other vital nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.
Strong Bones and Teeth
Milk contains calcium, an essential nutrient that helps build strong teeth and bones.
Reduced chance of Chronic Diseases
Consuming pure and natural milk has reduced the risk of chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Improved Immune Function
Nutrients like Vitamin A and zinc are found in milk, which can help boost the immune system. However, remember that not all organic milk has the same production process.
There are several organic milk brands in the market, and finding one with quality that provides you with all the health benefits you need can take time and effort.
Fortunately, with an organization like The Cornucopia Institute that helps research brands and investigates the industry to identify and elevate authentic organic foods and farmers, you can get the best organic milk for your needs.
Environmental Benefits of Drinking Pure and Natural Milk
Preservation of Biodiversity
The biodiversity in the environment is preserved when cows feed on grass. A pastured-based system, which relies on animals to harvest their feed, can help promote the growth of grasses.
The grasses provide a habitat for insects, birds, and other animals.
Improved Soil Fertility
As cows feed on grass, they also defecate. Their dung becomes manure which serves as nutrients to the soil, thus promoting the growth of healthy crops.
Reduced carbon emissions
Raising cattle on a pastured-based system aids in the reduction of carbon emissions. This is because the amount of fossil fuels expended is minimal, and their manure helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through soil carbon sequestration.
Reduced Water Pollution
Cows that can graze naturally will provide manure for your farming activities theory by preventing the use of fertilizers and chemicals that can pollute water.
Conclusion
Choosing which type of milk to consume is a matter of personal preference, but drinking pure and organic milk is both safe and healthy. It has no harmful chemicals or pesticides that can negatively affect the environment and human health.
The milk obtained from grass-fed cows has more beneficial nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and antioxidants. All of these nutrients provide unique health improvements, including brain and immune functions.
It would be nice to include pure and organic milk into your routine diet and experience all the benefits that come with it.
