How Healthy is Organic Milk?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Market News, sales of organic reduced-fat milk rose 18 percent in the first half of 2011. Conventional milk sales fell nearly 3 percent. But is organic milk healthier and worth the added expense? (Organic milk typically costs 57% more than regular milk.)

Cows at organic dairies:

• Are fed only organic grains, free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Get at least 30 percent of their feed from pasture.
• Aren’t treated with antibiotics, or with bovine growth hormone to increase milk production.

Additionally, most organic farms treat the environment better as well, because they have a greater respect for water resources and healthy soils. But they don’t have to prove these eco-friendly practices to be certified as organic.

Milk is #1 Food Source

The National Dairy Council says milk is the number one food source for three of the four nutrients that the guidelines say Americans need more of: calcium, potassium and Vitamin D. Milk is a natural source for calcium and potassium. All milk sold in the U.S. is fortified with Vitamin D. (Fiber is the fourth nutrient.) 

Packed with calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A and D, skim milk has no saturated fat and contains just 90 calories per cup. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, suggests you add more milk and milk products, particularly reduced-fat varieties, to your diet.