Organic milk has become a more common sight on supermarket shelves. Many people lean toward organic milk over regular milk because it's believed to be better for health and less likely to trigger allergies. But what exactly is organic milk, and does it truly offer more benefits than traditional milk? Let’s explore this topic in the article below.

What is Organic Milk?

Organic milk comes from cows or buffaloes raised with organic farming practices, meaning the animals aren’t treated with synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics. Their primary diet also follows an organic standard, consisting of grass or feed free from chemical fertilizers and genetically modified grains.

Though processed in the same way as regular milk, organic milk goes through pasteurization and homogenization without the use of synthetic additives. Homogenization breaks down fat molecules into smaller sizes so that the milk doesn’t separate into cream.

While regular milk is typically heated to 71–75º Celsius for about 15 seconds, organic milk is heated to a higher temperature of around 137º Celsius for a shorter duration. This method reduces bacterial growth, allowing it to last longer in storage.

Nutritional Content of Organic Milk

The way organic animals are fed, raised, and how their milk is processed leads to some nutritional differences between organic and regular milk. While their overall nutrition is fairly similar, studies indicate that organic milk may contain higher levels of certain nutrients, including:

• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-6 fatty acids

Minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium are found in equal amounts in both milk types. However, organic milk tends to have less iodine and selenium. In contrast, regular milk typically has slightly fewer calories and lower levels of saturated fat and protein compared to organic milk.

You can observe these differences in the table below:

Table 1. Nutritional comparison of organic and conventional milk per 1 glass (240 ml)

Benefits of Organic Milk

Here are some of the notable benefits of organic milk:

• Better fatty acid composition: Milk from organically fed animals tends to have more polyunsaturated fats and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These fats are beneficial for supporting healthy cells, lowering the risk of certain cancers, and reducing inflammation.
• Lower chemical exposure: Animals raised organically aren’t given synthetic hormones or antibiotics, and are exposed to fewer pesticides. Exposure to such chemicals may elevate cancer risk and impact brain function.
• Higher antioxidant content: Organic milk often contains more vitamins and antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and oxidative stress, both of which can damage the body’s cells.

Even though the direct health effects of organic milk are minimal, its production leaves behind fewer environmental residues, making it a more eco-conscious choice. If you're someone who values environmental health and sustainability, choosing organic milk can be a simple step toward supporting those ideals while also nourishing your body.

While it’s true that organic milk offers slightly higher amounts of some nutrients, the differences aren’t drastic enough to declare it superior. In fact, certain minerals are found in lower amounts compared to regular milk.

All in all, both organic and conventional milk offer similar health benefits and can be safely included in your daily diet.

If you’re curious about what type of milk is best for your needs, you can speak with a nutritionist or try the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, available on the App Store and Play Store.

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