Should You Be Drinking Organic Milk
Once youve made a choice to consume dairy whether its milk or other products like yogurt, cheese or kefir the next key question that pops up is whether choosing organic is the heathier way to go. To many people, the word organic sure sounds like a better choice. But when it comes to milk, the answer may surprise you!
The nutrients in milk are the same, whether it’s organic or not. But where organic milk differs is the guarantee of no added hormones, and its always antibiotic free. The ability to label a product certified organic is a tightly controlled federal regulation.
All milk contains hormones that is naturally produced by the cow. So the key word to look for is “added.” Organic milk comes from cows that have never received added hormones of any type, ever. And these cows have also never been treated with antibiotics. If they do get sick, they are removed from the herd, and their milk is not included, even when they have recovered after antibiotics have been completed.
These days, regular milk is unlikely to contain any added hormones. Cows are returned to the herd only after they are done with any antibiotic treatment for illness . While not certified organic, some milks are clearly labeled no added hormones and antibiotic free to provide further consumer information. Regular milk also has strict federal regulations for safety so its a perfectly safe and nutritious choice.
How Is Organic Milk Different From Regular Milk
Organic milk offers several advantages over regular milk as follows:
- Organic milk comes from cows left to graze in open pastures. These cows produce milk with a higher concentration of nutrients. According to studies, milk contains more iron, vitamin E, omega 3, and omega 6. .
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture lays out strict regulations on organic milk production. USDA prohibits antibiotics and inorganic farm products, such as pesticides. If a farmer uses antibiotics to treat a cow, the USDA requires that they sell off the cow to a non-organic farm. Antibiotics, such as beta-lactams, are present in milk once administered to cows.
- Conventional dairy farms use antibiotics, mainly in the treatment of mastitis. These antibiotics and other drugs are present in milk as residue.
- Alternative therapies used in treating cows in organic farms do not affect milks nutritional profile or leave toxic residue. These methods include vitamin supplements, botanicals, and homeopathic therapy.
- Organic milk has a longer shelf life compared to regular milk. You can keep it for up to 60 days unopened. Also, you can leave regular milk only for 17 days after ultra-heat treatment.
- Studies show that organic milk production involves applying sustainable farming practices. These practices enhance the quality of the soil and ensure there is no loss of nutrients.
Animal-based milk is common on the market, but you can still go for plant-based organic milk.
What Other Hormones Are Used On Conventional Dairy Farms
Reproductive hormones, Marquez says, are commonly used in large conventional dairy farms to ensure efficient breeding during artificial insemination . AI is common practice in both conventional and organic operations, and its expensive.
The hormones for reproduction that are used on conventional dairy farms include prostaglandin, gonadotropin releasing hormone and progesterone. Theyre hormones naturally produced by the cow during reproduction, but are now injected into them at specific times for a more controlled and efficient reproduction result.
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How Do Organic Dairy Farmers Handle Reproduction Without Hormones
We do AI in organic farming, as well as using bulls the old fashioned way, but we do not use hormones to do that. We have to have healthy cows, and those cows have to be ready to conceive its a different approach to the whole idea of reproduction in cows, Marquez says. We believe we have to use healthy cows that can reproduce naturally. Thats the big difference between conventional and organic.
Does Almond Milk Have Estrogen In It
Almond milk is a popular beverage for people who are looking for a healthy drink option. It is made from almonds and contains a type of compound called phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are plant-based hormones that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. However, the amount of phytoestrogen in almond milk is very small compared to naturally produced estrogen. In fact, a study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research found that drinking two cups of almond milk a day had no impact on a womans breast size. This means that almond milk does not contain any estrogen and does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
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Does Dairy Promote Breast Cancer
Some worry that the hormones in cows milk could cause health problems in humans. People have suggested that estrogen in cows milk might promote the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast or ovarian cancer, for example. Others worry that hormones in milk might cause early puberty in children.
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What Kinds Of Hormones Are Used In Conventional Milk And Why
One hormone thats used in some dairy cows is a synthetic bovine growth hormone known as rBST though this practice is increasingly less common.
Synthetic bovine growth hormone is sometimes used by some farmers to help their cows produce more milk, Jordan explains. She assures that the product has been in use for 20 years, and its safety has been affirmed and reaffirmed by government agencies in the U.S. and around the world.
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Does Costco Organic Milk Have A Fish Oil
Costco offers milk that has been fortified with pure fish oil. Costco uses similar practices with their Kirkland brand organic milk. It boasts a high Omega-3 fat content and adds refined fish oil to the milk.
However, a sizable amount of the milk that Costco buys comes from Aurora, a 15,000-cow mega-dairy in Colorado.
Note: People with lactose intolerance find it difficult to consume organic milk that contains fish oil. The oil is used to increase the amount of omega-3 fats, which have several advantageous health effects.
But it might result in some GI issues in lactose-intolerant people. The standard is respectable. The milk sachets poor packaging and the presence of fish oil were to blame for the rating.
Hormones In Milk How Worried Should We Be
Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of how animal welfare issues impact on our own health. Part of this quest for the truth means that the secrets of mass dairy farming are fast becoming common knowledge.
As consumers, were getting worried and sales of non-dairy milks are soaring.
With anti-dairy campaigns filling the media and claims that cows milk contains a cocktail of chemicals, its no wonder were worried about the hormones in milk.
When we drink milk, what exactly are we drinking? What effects does it really have on our health? Is cows milk really as bad as critics say? Have the health implications been exaggerated to dirty the dairy industry?
Its time to check the ingredients ourselves and sort the myths from the facts.
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Organic Milk Vs Regular Milk: What’s The Difference
Organic milk and regular milk have some similarities and differences. The stark difference between the two types of milk lies within the agricultural practices used in milk production.
In the U.S., conventional farmers may use pesticides to control the growth of weeds with their crops. Cattle farmers could also use synthetic bovine growth hormone, a Food and Drug Administration -approved drug to increase milk production, and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection in cattle when needed.
On the other hand, organic milk producers must abide by the USDA organic guidelines. According to the standards, cattle farmers who want to produce organic milk must manage their herd as organic at least one year before milk production. The cows must be fed with certified organic feed and are not allowed to be injected with growth hormones nor given antibiotics.
Does Costco Organic Milk Have Hormones
Some people believe that milk from cows that are treated with hormones and other chemicals is better for you than milk from cows that are not treated. However, milk from cows that are treated with hormones and other chemicals is not always organic.
Organic milk comes from cows that are fed a diet that is free of pesticides, hormones, and other chemicals. These cows are also allowed to graze on grass, which is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, organic milk is likely to have fewer hormones and other chemicals in it than milk from cows that are not organic.
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Is It Worth Buying Organic Milk
Organic milk is typically more expensive than regular milk, but it may be worth the extra money because it contains no growth hormones and no antibiotics.
The production process for organic milk is more sustainable and humane than some other dairy farming practices.
Some experts say that organic milk is better for your health because it contains no growth hormones and no antibiotics.
It is up to you whether or not you think that the extra cost of organic milk is worth it.
Who Makes Costco Organic Milk
For Costcos Kirkland SignatureTM milk program, milk is provided by more than 2,000 dairies of all shapes and sizes. People that are passionate, diligent, and conscientious run the dairies and put in a lot of effort to provide a reliable, high-quality product. Here is a peek at how two program farms complete this task.
Milk is another item that Costco offers in addition to groceries. From cows that are fed a particular diet, they obtain their milk. As a result, milk purchased at Costco is more expensive than milk purchased at grocery stores.
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Understanding What Organic Means
In Australia there is currently no national government standard that dictates what is considered an organic product. Instead, there are a handful of private Organic Certifying Bodies.
For this article well use the most well known of these standards: the Australian Certified Organic standard.
The Australian Certified Organic Bud is the most well known Organic Certification in Australia.
Organic Milk Is Healthier Right
Buying organic milk does eliminate some of the issues of drinking regular cows milk. By EU standards, organic dairy farms cannot routinely use pesticides or antibiotics. We can cross those worries off our list, but organic or not, all cows milk contains cow sex hormones.
There are some key health advantages to organic milk. A study at Newcastle University showed that organic milk contained up to 50% more omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is a nutrient vital for our cardiovascular and brain health.
Organic dairy cows eat grass, not grains, and grass contains more beneficial fats, including omega 3.
We have seen a recent increase in British, sustainable dairy farms. But there are also some ethical concerns with organic farming. Organic farmers are not permitted to use antibiotics.
This means that painful diseases such as mastitis may be left untreated. Or an infected cow could be sent to slaughter sooner because her milk is no longer profitable.
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Organic Valley Healthy Organic Whole Milk Boxes
- Filtered and ultra-heat treated for safety
- Rich nutrient profile
Is Organic Dairy Milk Healthy
The word organic conjures up the notion of fresh, healthy food bursting with vital nutrients and devoid of any nasty chemicals.
This is the case with fruit, vegetables and grains, all valuable sources of vitamins and minerals but without the pesticide residues found in 40 per cent of non-organic foods. But when it comes to milk its a different story.
The numerous health claims made for organic cows milk are not backed up by science. In fact, organic milk could be more even harmful than ordinary milk for your health, the planet and even for the animals.
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Why Does Costco Organic Milk Last So Long
Youve probably already seen what our inquirer has if youve bought milk: Organic milk can survive for up to a month, while regular milk typically spoils after a week or less.
In addition to the production process, consumption should be taken into account. Compared to other adjacent grocery stores, Costco milk can sell out daily. The best if used by date on the milk in the supermarket is edging closer even though it has likely been there for several days.
Organic milk lasts longer because farmers employ different methods to preserve it. Because organic goods are not produced nationwide, according to the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, they frequently have to travel further to get to shop shelves. Milk must therefore keep its freshness for a longer period.
Milk can be frozen for three months. Regularly pasteurized milk has a six-day shelf life in retail settings. Before it, the milk had a life lifetime of roughly two weeks due to processing and shipping requirements. Organic milk from Costco doesnt require immediate refrigeration.
Benefits Of Best Organic Milk
- Get More Omega 3 Fatty Acids: The body needs Omega-3 fatty acids for immunity. It can help slow down the development of cancer, cardiac disease, and several other conditions. Taking organic milk offers you more Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
- More Linoleic Acid: When supplied in the right amount, conjugated linoleic acid helps the body fight disease and promotes better metabolism and muscle growth. It also helps the body fight cholesterol, thereby reducing the risks of developing obesity. When you take organic milk, you get 500% more conjugated linoleic acid compared to regular milk.
- No Toxic Chemicals: The USDA requires that organic farmers not use pesticides, herbicides, inorganic fertilizers, GM feed, hormones, urea, and antibiotics. Further, USDA requires that the cows graze in open fields to be happy.
- Safe for the Environment: The chemicals used in producing regular milk, such as pesticides and herbicides, are also harmful to some plants, microbes, and the soil. Stopping the use of these chemicals through organic farming practices helps save the environment.
- Get Antioxidants: Organic milk provides you with more zeaxanthin and lutein, two antioxidants that promote your eye health and help fight free radicals in the body.
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Is Organic The Same As Unpasteurised
The short answer is no. Organic refers to specific farming practices .
Pasteurisation refers to a treatment process where milk is heated to roughly 100 degrees celsius. This process kills off harmful bacteria and increases shelf life.
It is illegal to sell raw milk in Australia. This means all organic milk is pasteurised or has gone through another approved method of treatment.
Does Milk Contain Antibiotics
Absolutely zero milk produced and purchased in the United States contains antibiotics. When I spoke to Rick Osofsky, owner and farmer of Ronnybrook Farm & Dairy in upstate New York, he told me that milk is the single most regulated product in the U.S. today , and because of this, milk is rigorously and continuously tested from the moment milk is picked up from the farm until the final product is dropped off at the store to ensure it is completely antibiotic-free.
Whether your milk contains hormones, however, is a different story. Some dairy farmers choose to give their cows rBST, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring bovine hormone, to up milk production. Milk made with rBST is virtually identical to untreated milk, so farmers are not required by law to label whether or not their cows are treated. That being said, many producers who do not treat their cows include rBST-free on their label as some folks worry about the possible link between these hormones and some cancers .
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Mungalli Creek Dairy Farm
Located in Queenslands stunning Atherton tablelands, Mungalli Creek Dairy is the perfect embodiment of both organic and biodynamic farming practices.
Mungalli farmers, the Watson brothers, view the dairy as more than just cows and pasture. Its their chance to actively contribute to the biodiversity and the natural resilience of their local ecosystem.
Rather than treating the dairy as separate from the surrounding world heritage rainforest , they see it as all one big organism. As a result, its not uncommon to see small birds, Wallabies, dingoes and even cassowaries wandering about on their farm!
Mungalli makes a great range of innovative dairy products including yoghurt, cheeses and creams, and even lactose free milk. All these delicious dairy products are available through the Back to Eden Organic Outlet Store.
Does Milk Increase Growth Hormone
There are many nutrients, hormones and growth factors in dairy foods that may stimulate growth hormone , insulin-like growth factor I , and raise the ratio of IGF-I to its binding protein, IGFBP-3. Dairy foods are high in proteins, calcium, and other nutrients that may help to increase GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 levels.These hormones may help to promote growth and development in the body.
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