Worth It? Wednesday: Organic Milk Vs. Conventional Milk

A half-gallon of organic milk costs anywhere from $3 to $5 compared to conventional milk which is only about $1 to $2. Although, those extra couple dollars spent on organic milk equal many more benefits when considering you and your families health. This is because only organic milk with a USDA stamp has been produced under the strict regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA maintains several laws for organic dairy farmers to assure milk is high-quality and completely organic. Organic dairy farmers must be annually inspected and certified to assure they are following all laws in accordance with the USDA.
Some differences in the production of organic and conventional milk include the following:
*Dairy cows raised for organic milk production are not given antibiotics and/or synthetic growth hormones.
*Organic dairy cows must be raised on 100% certified organic feed, not from genetically modified sources.
* Organic dairy cows must only graze on certified organic pasture free of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers.
Conventional milk also differs from organic milk in its nutritional benefits. This is due to organic milk's higher level of anti-oxidants and decreased levels of pesticide residues (which are of concern to children, pregnant/breastfeeding women). Organic milk also has higher amounts of nutrients like vitamin E, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, organic milk has higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which is a healthy trans-fatty acid as it increases metabolic rate, immunity to certain diseases (i.e. Adult Onset Diabetes, Heart Disease), and muscle growth. It also reduces overall body-fat mass, cholesterol, and allergic reactions. The human body does not naturally produce CLA and thus most of our intake occurs through milk and milk products consumed. For all of the above reasons, buying organic milk is a smart choice to make for yourself and your family.
Sources:http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-milk/http://www.organicvalley.coop/community/beyond-the-plate/wake-up-organic/1/