5 Surprising Benefits of Organic Milk

As we all know, milk is one of the most important components of the daily diet because it helps ensure healthy growth and development. However, many types of milk today are produced using different chemicals in the production process, such as pesticides and fertilizers for animal feed, as well as hormones and antibiotics given to cows. The overuse of these chemicals in conventional milk production and their harmful effects have created a growing demand for organic milk among health-conscious consumers.

The health benefits of organic milk include higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA, more antioxidants and more vitamins compared to regular milk. Currently, only about 3% of all milk sold in the U.S. is organic. However, this segment is growing rapidly at a rate of over 20% per year. The organic milk market is also expanding in other countries, with more than 30% in the UK. Why is the demand for organic milk increasing so quickly? The clear answer is that organic milk offers many benefits and is better for health than conventional milk.

Although organic milk still provides all the benefits of regular milk, it adds many other advantages. The health benefits of organic milk have been studied by a research group from the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences and were presented at one of the annual conferences of The Soil Association in the UK. This is considered a breakthrough report in identifying the benefits of organic milk.

Health benefits of organic milk

1. More Omega-3:

Organic milk contains more omega-3 than regular milk. But why is omega-3 important? Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid for healthy development. A deficiency in omega-3 is the cause of many health problems that have been increasing in recent years. Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids helps you prevent many diseases and reduces the risk of heart disease, inflammation (in skin conditions such as eczema), cancer and arthritis. Recent studies show that following a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce or delay the onset of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Organic milk contains 71% more Omega-3: Studies conducted at the University of Aberdeen show that organic milk contains about 71% more omega-3 than conventional milk.

Why does organic milk have more omega-3 than regular milk?

According to research by Dr. Richard Dewhurst and his team at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, organic cows are naturally grazed on pastures where their main feed is red clover. Red clover contains a high level of omega-3, which is passed to the cows and then to humans through their milk. Furthermore, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is higher in organic milk. Although omega-6 is also necessary for healthy development, consuming too much omega-6 is not good. The high intake of vegetable oils such as corn, soybean and sunflower oil has increased omega-6 levels in our bodies. Therefore, consuming organic milk is an effective way to help balance omega-3 and omega-6 in the body, which is extremely important for cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention.

2. Higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA):

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) increases the body’s metabolic rate, enhances immunity against disease and supports muscle development. It also helps reduce body fat, cholesterol and allergic reactions. It should be noted that the human body cannot produce this substance on its own, and most CLA intake comes from the milk and dairy products we consume.

You may be surprised to learn that cows grazing on pasture, like organic cows, produce up to 500% more CLA in their milk than cows kept in barns and fed commercial feed, as in conventional dairy systems. Recent animal studies show that conjugated linoleic acid is beneficial in the treatment of cancer, and this fact has further increased public interest in organic milk.

3. Free from chemical contamination:

Organic cows are grazed on pastures that are cultivated using organic methods. As a result, their milk is not contaminated with harmful substances such as pesticide residues, fertilizers and hormones.

Moreover, nutrient-rich organic milk does not contain antibiotics, GM feed, urea or reproductive hormones because these feeds and substances are strictly prohibited for organic cows.

By consuming organic milk, you are also helping to protect the environment. The pesticides used in conventional livestock and farming are wiping out many beneficial insects, butterflies and birds. It is estimated that around 672 million birds are affected by the huge quantities of pesticides used on agricultural farms in the United States, and 10% of them die from pesticide-related diseases.

The benefits of organic milk do not stop there. Please follow our upcoming articles to learn more.

Daioni is a 100% organic fresh milk product imported from the UK and certified for quality by The Soil Association.