Milk

Milk!  It does a body good!  Or does it………..?!  There has been a lot of conflicting research recently on whether milk is good for you, which type of milk you should drink, how much is okay, etc.  So I thought it was important to inform you about the various types of milk and the pros and cons of each.  Educating yourself is the best way to decide what type of milk is best for you and your family! 

Cow’s Milk

+ More calcium than any other milk.
+ Double the protein of any other milk.
+ Several options available, including fat-free, 1%, 2% and whole milk.
- Many individuals are lactose intolerant – their stomachs are unable to digest the natural sugars (lactose) contained in milk, resulting in diarrhea, bloating, gas, abdominal pain and various other unpleasantries.
- Some milk contains growth hormones which studies show may play a role in causing certain cancers. 
- The chocolate, strawberry and other flavored varieties can be extremely high in sugar, offsetting many of the health benefits.

Raw Milk

+ Highly natural form of nutrition without pasteurization.
+ Can come from cows, sheep and goats.
- May include harmful bacteria such as listeria, E. coli and salmonella.
- Over the past 13 years, approximately 800 Americans have fallen ill after consuming raw cheeses and milk.

Organic Milk

+ Produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics and hormones.
- Twice as expensive as non-organic milk.
- No clear health benefits beyond that of regular milk.

 

 

Goat’s Milk

+ Easier to digest for many people than cow’s milk because of the size of its protein molecules.
+ Just as much calcium as the whole milk variety of cow’s milk.
+ More tryptophan than cow’s milk. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid.
- Contains lactose, giving it the same disadvantage as cow’s milk.
- The sweet/salty flavor isn’t for everyone.

Soy Milk

+ High in calcium and protein.
+ Free of saturated fat.
+ Strong alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.
- May inhibit mineral and protein absorption, which offsets its health benefits.
- Some studies show that soy consumption can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Coconut Milk

+ Rich, creamy and highly flavorful thanks to its composition: the juices and meat of the coconut, ground to a smooth texture.
+ Highly popular in Thai and Indian cooking.
+ Easily digestible fats.
+ Low in cholesterol.
- Extremely high in calories (467 calories per 8 fl. oz.).
- Low in protein and calcium.
- High in saturated fat.

Rice Milk

+ Low in calories and fat.
+ Comes in soy-free and lactose-free varieties.
+ Comes in various favors, such as vanilla and plain.
- No vitamin A or C.
- Very limited protein content.
- Lacks nutrition overall.

Almond Milk

+ Pleasant, rich taste thanks to composition: water, sweeteners and ground almonds.
+ Similar nutritional profile to dairy milk.
+ Several available flavors.
+ Several vitamins and minerals.
- Very little protein compared to cow’s milk.
- Lacks vitamin B.
- Some varieties have lots of added sugar.

I hope this sheds some light on whatever white beverage you choose! 

CHEERS!!!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!