When we hear the word “grass fed cow milk” we think of dairy products that have been raised on pastures, not the cattle that are kept in conventional farms. Grass-fed milk has many advantages over conventional milk including better nutrition and less pollution. It also helps to improve our health.
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Organic vs conventional
There are many factors that determine the fat and protein content of milk. Aside from the obvious differences in cows, the way a cow is managed can also affect the composition of its milk. For example, if a cow is raised in a feedlot, it is likely that the animal will have a much higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio than a cow that is pastured.
Organic dairy cows can graze a lot more than conventional cattle. This may be responsible for a more favorable fatty acid content in organic milk. In addition, a pasture-based diet will boost the amount of omega-3s in a cow’s milk.
Unlike conventional dairy cows, organic dairy cows must graze at least 120 days a year. They must also be fed certified organic feed. Moreover, their living space is larger.
Many people believe that organic cow milk is better for you. However, there is little evidence to back up this claim.
Regardless, the fact remains that organic dairy products are likely to contain more vitamins and minerals than their non-organic counterparts. Similarly, the presence of conjugated linoleic acid (CL) is likely to benefit your health as well.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Grass fed cows produce milk with twice the omega-3 fatty acids as conventionally fed cows. This is because they are on a diet of forage from the grass. Grass-fed dairy systems are more beneficial for the health of their cows and consumers.
There are a number of factors that affect the composition of fatty acids in the milk of grazing cows. Some of these include the diet of the cow, the ruminal fermentation process, fibre intake and plant conservation status.
The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the milk from conventionally-fed dairy cows is often over 5:1, and is typically 20 times higher than recommended. Studies have shown that this imbalance leads to an increase in the incidence of inflammatory disorders in the U.S. In particular, the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is linked to an increased risk of diabetes.
Omega-3s, which are also known as essential fatty acids, are essential for human health. They reduce inflammation, improve recovery time and lower the chances of illness.
Polluting the environment
Grass fed cow milk may have a couple of perks, but it isn’t the greenest option around. One of the big perks is that it may help reduce the amount of methane emissions that cows produce, although this isn’t a sure thing.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and it is produced by cows when they are digesting food, belches and other excrement. Unlike carbon dioxide, it has a relatively short lifetime. It has an 80 times warming power compared to carbon dioxide.
The best part is that methane is not only better for the environment, it also helps to improve soil and grass. For example, improved soil can sequester more carbon and thereby slow global warming. In fact, grass-fed cows may be better for the environment than their grain-fed counterparts.
A study performed by the University of Oxford’s Food Climate Research Network (FCRN) uncovered some of the key facts involving grass-fed cattle and its potential impact on the environment. Although the findings aren’t conclusive, the report did a great job of examining the best available research.
Health benefits
Grass fed cow milk has more heart-healthy fats than conventional milk. In addition, grassfed milk contains antioxidants and key nutrients, including alpha-linolenic acid, which reduces inflammation. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in grass fed milk is more favorable than in conventional milk.
Depending on the breed and grazing techniques, the nutritional profile of grass fed dairy can vary. However, the fat and protein content are identical.
Generally, omega-6 fats are a concern because they are thought to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fats, on the other hand, are believed to reduce the risk of diabetes and chronic diseases. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends full-fat dairy for children between one and two years old.
Grass fed cows have access to pasture all year round. This is important to the health of the animal. It allows them to graze in the morning sun and move around the pasture. Grazing technique also promotes soil health.
