Anyone familiar with the health benefits of organic milk?

[Casper<3]

Thinking about making the switch to permanently drinking organic milk but as it does have a bit of a price difference, I'm curious what benefits exist?

[antron]

not really a health benefit, but it will last twice as long in your fridge.

[BulletMagnet]

I'm not an expert in this sort of thing, but I am aware that the legal requirements to label something "organic" are somewhat lenient, so if there's a specific part of the preparation process that matters to you in terms of which product you'd rather choose you'll probably have to do a bit of looking into individual companies/farms/etc.

[brentsg]

The cow must have testified before the US Senate that it's never used steroids.

[Drum]

Very strictly speaking, milk isn't that great for you at all. Unless you're a baby cow.

[Moniker]

Since switching to organic foods, the only benefit I've noticed is a reduced cigarette budget. Also, Trader Joe's is the only grocer nearby where I can shop without fear of being mugged (bad for your health).

[PinkSweets]

Honestly, the little benefit may not be worth the risk of consuming milk regularly. It may be free of hormones and antibiotics, but milk really is not a good food source for humans. The only thing advertisers have going for them is the whole "good source of calcium" thing. That said, milk is difficult to digest for almost everybody and you may not be absorbing all of the calcium that you think you are. Depending on your ethnic background, you may be somewhat intolerant or even allergic to dairy without noticing since it's become the norm. However, all organisms handle foods differently. It's not uncommon for dairy products to hinder the immune system or even cause acne in sensitive individuals.

I'm not trying to interfere with anyone's lifestyle, but I think it's important to be aware and look into what you're consuming. Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate and leafy green vegetables are a superior source of nutrition. If you receive plenty of nourishment from a variety of foods, I don't see any positive benefits of consuming milk whatsoever. If it's difficult to make the switch since you like to include things like cereal, baking goods, etc. in your diet, soy and almond milk are alright. I wouldn't consume soy milk every day either, but that's a whole new matter that I won't get into.

[CMoon]

But how am I supposed to feed my morphanoid addiction if I stop drinking milk?

[MadScientist]

Very strictly speaking, milk isn't that great for you at all. Unless you're a baby cow.

Not really. Descendants of Northern Europeans and some East African populations developed mutations in the LCT gene that confer lactose tolerance into adulthood. These mutations display some of the strongest signals of positive Darwinian selection you can find anywhere in the human genome. It is an evolutionary adaptation that developed because there was strong selective pressure to utilize a resource, i.e. cow's milk, that was readily available. If it didn't have net beneficial consequences, the mutation would never have spread throughout these populations.

[mesh control]

Almond milk ftw.

[antron]

Very strictly speaking, milk isn't that great for you at all. Unless you're a baby cow.

Not really. Descendants of Northern Europeans and some East African populations developed mutations in the LCT gene that confer lactose tolerance into adulthood. These mutations display some of the strongest signals of positive Darwinian selection you can find anywhere in the human genome. It is an evolutionary adaptation that developed because there was strong selective pressure to utilize a resource, i.e. cow's milk, that was readily available. If it didn't have net beneficial consequences, the mutation would never have spread throughout these populations.

I was wondering something along these lines, although I had know idea such details were known.

We domesticated cows 10,000 years ago.

[shmuppyLove]

I wouldn't consume soy milk every day either, but that's a whole new matter that I won't get into.

Damn, really? I have it in my cereal and coffee nearly every morning ... Silk brand. I shouldn't?

[Casper<3]

Honestly, the little benefit may not be worth the risk of consuming milk regularly. It may be free of hormones and antibiotics, but milk really is not a good food source for humans. The only thing advertisers have going for them is the whole "good source of calcium" thing. That said, milk is difficult to digest for almost everybody and you may not be absorbing all of the calcium that you think you are. Depending on your ethnic background, you may be somewhat intolerant or even allergic to dairy without noticing since it's become the norm. However, all organisms handle foods differently. It's not uncommon for dairy products to hinder the immune system or even cause acne in sensitive individuals.

I'm not trying to interfere with anyone's lifestyle, but I think it's important to be aware and look into what you're consuming. Liquid Calcium Magnesium Citrate and leafy green vegetables are a superior source of nutrition. If you receive plenty of nourishment from a variety of foods, I don't see any positive benefits of consuming milk whatsoever. If it's difficult to make the switch since you like to include things like cereal, baking goods, etc. in your diet, soy and almond milk are alright. I wouldn't consume soy milk every day either, but that's a whole new matter that I won't get into.

I know as a whole milk isn't good for you. This thread wasn't about the benefits of milk, it was normal milk vs organic milk, what difference is between the two.

I'm over weight but my diet is extremely healthy. I avoid processed foods (such as bread, pasta, even oatmeal) and have a high intake of fruits and vegetables with a low allowance of dairy and animal proteins.

I am allergic to soy, and strongly against almond products (especially ones with added sweeteners like "evaporated cane juice" ie almond milk)

However, I also have gout and suffer from reflux (heartburn). Drinking milk helps ease the inflammation of gout and balance acidity levels as well as coat the esophagus when reflux acts up.

[t0yrobo]

Almond milk ftw.

This, that shit is delicious.

[Sumez]

I don't think I've ever been able to find any milk outside of my own country that actually tastes decent, usually they are unnecessarily fatty, or so pasteurized and processed that it lost all of its freshness.

And I love milk. This is like the number one reason I've never moved anywhere else.

[chempop]

Since switching to organic foods, the only benefit I've noticed is a reduced cigarette budget.

LMAO!

Almond Milk is what I usually buy, but the problem is that I'll drink the whole damn carton within minutes of opening it.

As for Soy milk, I've heard so many times to STAY AWAY! Cultured soy like tofu and tempe are okay, but the raw stuff in soy milk supposedly messes with niacin (?) levels and long term effects prevent your body from processing certain vitamins properly. Plus the whole estrogen thing...

[PinkSweets]

I wouldn't consume soy milk every day either, but that's a whole new matter that I won't get into.

Damn, really? I have it in my cereal and coffee nearly every morning ... Silk brand. I shouldn't?

Well, soy itself has a lot of health benefits and is seen by most as a superior alternative for the lactose intolerant individuals, or vegetarians, but it also has its dangers. I suppose I'll go into detail since you seem interested. Before I get into that, I'd like to point out that fermented soy is much more fit for humans to consume and far more beneficial in many ways. They also contain probiotics which is absolutely necessary for the digestive system.

To list a couple fermented soy products:

-Tempeh: Excellent food that can be used as a meat substitute. Stir frying it with vegetables is excellent. Extremely high in fiber and protein.

-Miso: A fermented paste that is usually used with soups. It's common to see it made with barley or rice as well.

As for Asian countries like Japan, yes, they are far healthier than Western countries and consume soy products, but I don't think they really drink a whole lot of soy milk. Not only that, but their diet is based on many other foods leaving the soy consumption percentage lower than what one may assume. Miso, natto, bean pastes, soy sauce, etc. are consumed, on average, more often than soy milk. All being fermented foods.

Anyway, soy milk is a little risky to consume every day. I'm sure many of you have heard about the estrogen thing. Soy milk and similar products contain compounds called isoflavones or phytoestrogens. These plant derived chemicals act extremely similar to estrogen. When estrogen levels are too high in men, health problems can follow. One being prostate disorders as well as other estrogen dependent tumors. There's speculation of other adverse side effects, but I don't possess all of the knowledge or facts off the top of my head to make any definite statements.

Thyroid problems have also been reported. Frequently consuming unfermented soy can dangerously lower thyroid hormone status leading to hypothyroidism. I believe Goitrogens are the reason for this. They are known to interfere with iodine metabolism and with essential thyroid hormones. I'm not going to begin to try to remember the names of the specific toxins and acids, but they seem to inhibit proper absorption of nutrients and minerals.

There are other downsides to consuming soy milk, but I think this should do for now.

Small amounts of soy milk on occasion would probably be OK, but it's the fact that many consume it everyday. The average Western diet already consists of so much crap that it only adds to the toxic overload of the human body.

I occasionally consume unsweetened or vanilla flavored almond milk. I don't see any problem with that and it's quite enjoyable. It may take some getting used to if you use it in cereal, but I would recommend it over soy milk. Tempeh stir fry and miso soup is delicious to include in your diet and are pretty flexible foods, meaning there are a lot of different recipes and things you can do with them. It's easy to keep these foods interesting and enjoyable.

Oh, and no, I'm currently not a vegetarian.

[MR_Soren]

Organic milk (I buy Organic Valley) tastes better, lasts longer, and comes from cows that are healthier (grass fed rather than grain), and the cows are not fed as many drugs and hormones which common sense would suggest is a good thing.

[shmuppyLove]

Well, soy itself has a lot of health benefits and is seen by most as a superior alternative for the lactose intolerant individuals, or vegetarians, but it also has its dangers. I suppose I'll go into detail since you seem interested. Before I get into that, I'd like to point out that fermented soy is much more fit for humans to consume and far more beneficial in many ways. They also contain probiotics which is absolutely necessary for the digestive system. (tl;dr, soy is bad)

Alright I'll have to speak to my fiancée about cutting it out. She's lactose intolerant which is the main reason we have it, but I can see if she's willing to give almond milk a try. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't mind it, I'm not very picky

[Paradigm]

I drink real milk, cos Ian Rush drinks it.

[RNGmaster]

Horchata is damn good. Pretty easy to make on your own, too.

Screw soy milk.

[xbl0x180]

Horchata is totally awersome.

That being said, I do like ice cream and cheese, which are terrible for me (I'm one of those unlucky bastards who gets acne from consuming dairy products and peanuts)

[greg]

What PinkSweets said. Japanese may consume soy, but they also eat foods rich in iodine, such as seaweed, to balance soy's effects on your thyroid. Nevertheless, soy is just something to eat over there. They don't make soy and tofu a way of life like vegans over here do.

The estrogenic content of soy is no good, unless you want the manboobs. I drank soymilk daily for years and it really did a number on me. I switched to unsweetened almond milk and I'm doing better.

I used to be horribly lactose intolerant. I became lactose intolerant when the FDA okayed Monsanto to inject cows with antibiotics. You see, you need probiotics to build up your immune system. So much of your immune system is in your intestines, and when the antibiotics kill all the beneficial bacteria in your guts, you get sick a lot and you can't properly digest lactose. Unfortunately, the Clinton administration helped set Monsanto up as like an untouchable deity in our government, and everyone's health is paying the price for pandering to special interests. Yeah, every president does that, and it's sickening and evil. For Clinton, Monsanto was one of them. I'm not saying this to be political at all, just pointing something out. It will take everyone of all political persuasions who are fed up with being sick to put an end to this.

Nowadays, it's popular for companies to deal a blow against Monsanto by advertising their milk as "no RBST" or "no hormones," but they still have the antibiotics. Organic means no hormones and no antibiotics. It also means that the cows are being fed grass, which they are meant to eat. If not, they're being fed corn, which is not good for the cows and is not nutritious for them. Moreover, you can bet that the corn is Monsanto's genetically modified corn, too.

So yeah, I only buy organic milk for my daughter and myself. I actually think goat milk is pretty great, and it is actually far closer to human milk and more suitable for our digestion. As for almond milk, Blue Diamond makes unsweetened almond milk. The kind that's refrigerated is soy free.

[Gus]

I don't get the big deal about almond milk. It's just almonds + water. Shit tastes pretty nasty unless it's loaded with sweeteners.

[PinkSweets]

Nobody made it into a big deal. It's simply an alternative to milk that a lot of posters in this thread, including myself, enjoy. Almond milk being nasty is your personal opinion.

Foods and drinks loaded with sweeteners is nasty to me. Sugar desensitizes your entire taste for foods after a while and, in turn, ruins an individuals entire diet. I believe that's precisely why the American diet is sweet, fatty, and salty, all being extremes. The more "extreme" tasting food one eats, the more one craves similar foods and drinks for the habitual, or addictive, taste. Understandable, since eating pleasurable foods releases dopamine that has an opiate-like effect on the brain.

Traditionally, sweet foods include carrots, fruit, daikon, among others. I was shocked when I heard someone I know personally state that he thought fruit isn't sweet at all. I suppose when you compare an apple to a brownie, the apple will almost be mild tasting if someone is used to junk.

This wasn't intended to be a personal attack on anyone and I'm not insulting anyones diet or preferences.

[Casper<3]

Nobody made it into a big deal. It's simply an alternative to milk that a lot of posters in this thread, including myself, enjoy. Almond milk being nasty is your personal opinion.

Foods and drinks loaded with sweeteners is nasty to me. Sugar desensitizes your entire taste for foods after a while and, in turn, ruins an individuals entire diet. I believe that's precisely why the American diet is sweet, fatty, and salty, all being extremes. The more "extreme" tasting food one eats, the more one craves similar foods and drinks for the habitual, or addictive, taste. Understandable, since eating pleasurable foods releases dopamine that has an opiate-like effect on the brain.

Traditionally, sweet foods include carrots, fruit, daikon, among others. I was shocked when I heard someone I know personally state that he thought fruit isn't sweet at all. I suppose when you compare an apple to a brownie, the apple will almost be mild tasting if someone is used to junk.

This wasn't intended to be a personal attack on anyone and I'm not insulting anyones diet or preferences.

Funny truth is, if you cut out foods containing a great amount of additives, preservatives, or that have been heavily processed for just a week or two and go back and eat mc donalds or something like that, you can actually taste how disgusting it really tastes.

[xbl0x180]

mickey dees tastes disgusting no matter what you eat. Hell, I have the common sense of a billy goat when it comes to food and I can taste it in their fries... a bit of a bitter/strange aftertaste. I thought it was just the local one near where I live, but it has that same flavour at other branches as well.

F***, I need to lose weight and it has to be through exercise. Two things I hate: eating healthy and exercising!

[jepjepjep]

Organic means no hormones and no antibiotics. It also means that the cows are being fed grass, which they are meant to eat. If not, they're being fed corn, which is not good for the cows and is not nutritious for them.

Seriously, conventional cows are loaded up with growth hormones and antibiotics and all sorts of other "shit". They are fed corn which rots in their stomachs which requires heavy-doses of antibiotics so that the cow doesn't die. Add in some growth hormone so that the animals produce more milk/and or grow faster to slaughter for meat.

Cows are meant to graze on grass pastures. Even some "grass-fed" cows are not necessarily pastured animals. Organic milk is probably way better for you than regular milk, but still not as good as can be in a lot of cases. As some of the others suggested, I'd stay far-away from soy milk if you want to keep your hormones in balance.

[jepjepjep]

Here's a fun little factoid. When they make nonfat, 2%, 1%, etc., they take normal milk and process it to remove the fat. At that point it isn't even white, it's blue in color. They then add a powder mixture to get it to the correct fat percentage and color it white so that it looks like milk. Whole milk is the least-processed type of milk.

[brentsg]

After reading this thread I'm just gonna stick with soda and beer.