For generations, cows' milk has been an integral part of our daily diet.Lovingly poured over breakfast cereal, added to tea or coffee, or even simply drank by the glassful, milk is enjoyed by people of all ages. The UK alone consume5.2 billion litres of iteveryyear.
But what about theorganic variations? They are better for us, after all.
For starters,a recent studyhas found thatorganic milk contains significantly more omega-3 fatty acids than regular cows' milk, which is said to improve organ function.
Here areseven other healthreasons we should all be enjoying milk fresh from the farm, courtesy ofDW Fitness Club.
ORGANIC MILK CAN...
1.Help prevent allergies
A study carried out in the Netherlands discovered that babies raised on organic milk were 36% less likely to develop allergies, particularly eczema.
The research also found that mothers who drank organic milk during pregnancy produced breast milk that could also help to tackle the production of allergens.
Along with this, studies carried out by the University of Reading have shown that organic milk contains higher levels of iron - along with vitamin E and carotenoids. These are all beneficial in keeping the blood thin and avoiding the 'clumping' of blood platelets.
2.Keepyou hydrated
The University of Birminghamrecentlydiscoveredthat, when drank, milk isabsorbedslowerinto the bloodstream and staysin the body longer than water. This suggests that it'smore hydrating.
Dr Blannin, who conducted the study,said: "The results showed that milk was the best drink to consume for post-exercise rehydration, and most of the fluid ingested on the milk trial was retained."
3.Keep your stomach happy
Whilst it may still be the most popular choice on the market, more and more alternatives to organic cows' milk are becoming increasingly available.
Camel milk is the latest, thanks to its low fat and cholesterol qualities. It also contains five times as much vitamin C as cows' milk.
Buffalo milk, on the other hand, has approximately 40% more protein than the more widely available sources - so it's clear to see why more and more people are turning to these less renowned sources of milk.
Commonplace in the UK cheese market, it seems goats' milk is becoming an equally popular choice - and with good reason! Goats' milk offers more calcium, vitamin A and potassium than cows' milk. Plus, thanks to its chemical structure - it's more suitable for those with sensitive stomachs.
4. Help support weight loss
Organic milk contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is a an omega-6 fatty acid that boosts the immune system and can help to tackle high cholesterol.
Not only that, but it could help to maintain weight. The theory behind this is that CLA speeds up the production of an enzyme that tackles and breaks down fatty compounds in the bloods - whilst preventing the absorption of fat cells.
Although CLA supplements are readily available, it's much more inexpensive and nutritious to get your fix from a wholesome glass of organic milk.
5. Help you keep track ofwhat you're comsuming
As we know, legislation and EU law havespecific guidelines that need to be followed for a free-range product to be deemed 'organic'. These include:
- Restriction in additives used in milk production.
- Emphasis on soil health and the grass on which free-range cows feed.
- GM-free food to be used at all times.
One of the main differences between non-organic and organic is the way medicine is used. For organic milk production, any cow given antibiotics for a health issue cannot be returned to its herd for at least 12 months. The same does not apply for traditional dairy farming.
This ensures that any disease, health concerns etc. are confined to one cow and not the entire herd, providing a purer, less contaminated milk.
6. Strengthen your muscles
Organic milk is a great source of whey protein, with as much as 20% of a glass of milk made up of this natural muscle builder.
And it's not just good for us humans...
7. Help toensure healthier, happier cows
It's no secret that animals reared organically have a happier, healthier life. Allowed to graze naturally, consuming an 100% grass-based diet,means thatcows can develop and feed as nature intended - without the inclusion of pesticides or by being cramped up indoors.
By choosing organic milk (according to EU law), you are assured of:
- Highest levels of animal welfare.
- Farming that doesn't rely on fertilisers or chemically-enhanced pastures.
- A cow that has never spent more than a fifth of its life indoors.
