The term organic to any food ups the cost compared to conventional products. But the price factor can be overlooked if the item is healthier. A recent study says that organic milk contains larger amounts of some essential fatty acids and is better for cardiovascular health.
A recent study funded by Organic Valley, the Wisconsin-based food cooperative, reveals that organic milk contains greater amount of Omega 3 fatty acids helpful in preventing cardio-vascular diseases.
"Drinking whole organic milk will certainly lessen the risk factor for cardiovascular disease," said Charles M. Benbrook, the lead author of the study, in a statement. "All milk is healthy and good for people but organic milk is better, because it has a more favorable balance of these fatty acids."
The findings of the study are based on a survey conducted on more than 384 samples of organic and conventional milk collected over a span of 18 months. Both types were found to contain nearly same amount of fat but the organic milk contained 62 percent greater amount of fatty acid( Omega 3) and 24 percent lesser Omega 6 compared to whole milk.
Fatty acids (Omega 3) found in organic milk are a result of better foraging in cows following the guidelines set by United States Department of Agriculture for the animals. The guidelines state increased feeding of green grass and other plants rich in Omega 3 to cows raised in organic farms. Ordinary cows are fed corn, not so rich in Omega 3 contents.
"The impact of fresh grass on the fatty acid profile of the milk is a well-accepted phenomenon. It is rooted in the physiology and metabolism of dairy cows," said Benbrook, reads a recent post on Livescience "A conventional farm that provides their cows with access to grass would reap the same benefit in terms of the quality of the milk."
The organic milk has a 2.8 ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, which in whole milk is 5.77. However, some critics have raised questions about the increased intake of Omega 3 or rather regular consumption of organic milk, which might lead to extra calories in the diet.
Also many scientists question the efficacy of Omega 3 in reducing chances of cardiovascular attacks compared to Omega 6.
The fatty acid content also varies according to seasons reveals the study published in the latest journal of PLOS One. The organic milk produced in spring and summer was found to have higher amount of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an important fatty acid.
