The slogan is that regular whole milk "does a body good", but what if you just can't tolerate cow's milk? Maybe you're lactose intolerant, have chosen to be vegetarian, want to loose weight or whatever your reason there are multiple options. There are, of course, pros and cons with both milk and each of the milk alternatives available. Starting with whole milk, lets give a quick run-down on what makes each form of milk unique and why one might be better for you that the other.
Cow's Milk
Whole milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins D & K in a creamy texture but it is from a cow and contains fat. There are varying degrees of milk fat with each one being a little thinner drink as more fat is removed down to a very watery non-fat milk. Skim milk is actually proven to be the best for you in the cow's milk category, it is nutritionally similar to whole milk but contains no saturated fat and has more calcium per serving than whole milk. New studies show that drinking skim milk actually helps to keep you from gaining weight.
The difference in organic milk is that the cows which produce the milk are fed only organic feed, their pastures are pesticide free, and they are not given any growth hormones to produce more milk or antibiotics to prevent illnesses. All of which make organic milk more expensive. Studies at Newcastle University in England have found that organic milks contain higher concentrations of both omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Â
Some stores carry raw milk, which comes from a cow but does not go through the pasteurization process that regular milk does to kill bacteria. Thus, drinking raw milk leaves your susceptible to risk of serious food-born illnesses or death from such bacterial infections as E-coli, salmonella and listeria. Drinking raw milk can be dangerous and thus is not even for sale in many states.
Milk Alternatives
Soy milk is totally plant based as it is made from soy beans and then mixed with water and a natural sweetener. Soy milk is cholesterol free and low in saturated fat. Although slightly thicker than regular milk it is dairy free so great for those with milk allergies or people who are lactose intolerant. That's all good, but the con is that soy milk is lacking in protein (when compared to regular milk). Â Flavored soy milk has even less protein than the unflavored (because the flavoring reduces the protein per ounce content).
Almond milk is made by blending roasted almonds and then adding in nutrients (vitamins D & E and calcium). Almond milk is fat free, cholesterol free, lactose free and has just 60 calories in a cup (if unsweetened). It also has a nutty sweet flavor that compliments many foods, especially for breakfast. The only downfall with almond milk is that it doesn't contain much protein.
Rice milk is the best option for anyone with allergies to all the others, as it's the least likely to trigger an allergy. Rice milk is made of rice and water and not much of anything else - as in no saturated fat, no cholesterol, no flavor (although it is available with different flavors added) and almost no protein.
Another good thing about milk alternatives is that most are produced into aseptic containers which are shelf stable and can be kept in the pantry until opened. Once opened, they must be stored in the fridge and used just like regular cow's milk. Milk does do a body good, but which milk that happens to be is often up to your body to decide.
Cow's Milk
Whole milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins D & K in a creamy texture but it is from a cow and contains fat. There are varying degrees of milk fat with each one being a little thinner drink as more fat is removed down to a very watery non-fat milk. Skim milk is actually proven to be the best for you in the cow's milk category, it is nutritionally similar to whole milk but contains no saturated fat and has more calcium per serving than whole milk. New studies show that drinking skim milk actually helps to keep you from gaining weight.
The difference in organic milk is that the cows which produce the milk are fed only organic feed, their pastures are pesticide free, and they are not given any growth hormones to produce more milk or antibiotics to prevent illnesses. All of which make organic milk more expensive. Studies at Newcastle University in England have found that organic milks contain higher concentrations of both omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Â
Some stores carry raw milk, which comes from a cow but does not go through the pasteurization process that regular milk does to kill bacteria. Thus, drinking raw milk leaves your susceptible to risk of serious food-born illnesses or death from such bacterial infections as E-coli, salmonella and listeria. Drinking raw milk can be dangerous and thus is not even for sale in many states.
Milk Alternatives
Soy milk is totally plant based as it is made from soy beans and then mixed with water and a natural sweetener. Soy milk is cholesterol free and low in saturated fat. Although slightly thicker than regular milk it is dairy free so great for those with milk allergies or people who are lactose intolerant. That's all good, but the con is that soy milk is lacking in protein (when compared to regular milk). Â Flavored soy milk has even less protein than the unflavored (because the flavoring reduces the protein per ounce content).
Almond milk is made by blending roasted almonds and then adding in nutrients (vitamins D & E and calcium). Almond milk is fat free, cholesterol free, lactose free and has just 60 calories in a cup (if unsweetened). It also has a nutty sweet flavor that compliments many foods, especially for breakfast. The only downfall with almond milk is that it doesn't contain much protein.
Rice milk is the best option for anyone with allergies to all the others, as it's the least likely to trigger an allergy. Rice milk is made of rice and water and not much of anything else - as in no saturated fat, no cholesterol, no flavor (although it is available with different flavors added) and almost no protein.
Another good thing about milk alternatives is that most are produced into aseptic containers which are shelf stable and can be kept in the pantry until opened. Once opened, they must be stored in the fridge and used just like regular cow's milk. Milk does do a body good, but which milk that happens to be is often up to your body to decide.
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