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Horizon organic whole milk5/3/2023 ![]() Hence, the sustainability of grass-fed milk is not straightforward. Every year, hundreds of thousands of animal and plant species perish as a result ( 18). However, a grass-fed diet requires more grassland, which could exacerbate deforestation and biodiversity loss.Īccording to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), deforestation emits billions of tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It holds that grazing cattle is essential for a healthy ecosystem and that grass-fed cattle boost grass health and soil fertility - while reducing greenhouse gas emissions ( 17). The grass-fed movement is based on a farming practice known as regenerative agriculture. They can forage freely since they’re not restricted by limited space. When compared to conventionally raised cows, grass-fed cows follow a more natural diet and appear to live in better conditions. Research indicates that omega-3s have a beneficial impact on the immune system and exercise performance of athletes as well.Ĭonsumers are increasingly looking for food options that are environmentally and ethically responsible ( 16). The higher levels of omega-3s in grass-fed milk fight inflammation and may prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Phytochemicals may have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and heart-supporting properties ( 13). In fact, cattle that feed on pasture have numerous phytonutrients in amounts comparable to those found in plant foods. When cattle are grass-fed, health-promoting phytonutrients (antioxidants with the potential to heal and protect) are found in their meat and milk. ![]() ![]() Furthermore, omega-3s benefited mood ( 10). Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that increase the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.Ī high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio raises the risk of inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, and higher weight ( 11, 12).Īccording to one review, omega-3s might support the immune systems and exercise performance of athletes ( 10).Īthletes who consumed omega-3s improved their recovery time, reduced their chances of illness, and had superior performances in competition. They support brain and heart health and have been shown to reduce symptoms of metabolic syndrome ( 10). Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects. The higher levels of omega-3s in grass-fed milk, as well as its balanced fatty acid profile, may help prevent diet-related chronic conditions ( 7, 8). Health benefits of grass-fed dairy products This is partly due to the excessive consumption of highly processed foods and limited consumption of fish, along with added seed and vegetable oils in the Western diet ( 8).įollowing are the reported omega-6 to omega-3 ratios for each type of milk from a 3-year study of 1,163 milk samples: Western diets are high in omega-6s and low in omega-3s, resulting in an imbalanced ratio of about 15:1. Specifically, diet can alter the balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which has health implications.Īccording to a range of sources, humans have evolved on a diet with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of around 1. Switching cattle from a grain-based diet to one that is mostly based on grass and legume forages can change their fatty acid profile significantly ( 7). Regular milk and organic milk contain comparable amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, but grass-fed milk has more ( 7). The two are distinguished by their fatty acid composition, which is the most significant difference. The total fat content is similar per cup for grass-fed and conventional milk. There is no official product label for grass-fed milk, but organizations like the American Grassfed Association maintain independent standards. Grass-fed milk is cow’s milk produced from cows that have been forage-fed. The group advocates for, promotes, and supports American grass-fed and pasture-based farms and ranches, from farm to marketplace. However, the American Grassfed Association created its own standards independently ( 3). This means grass-fed milk does not have an official product label. Research suggests that cows who eat grass produce milk and cheese with a better flavor and creaminess than grain-fed cows ( 2).Īlthough grass-fed milk is marketed as such, the U.S. This diet can lead to a healthier animal and different milk composition compared to regular dairy products. Whereas conventional cows are typically grain-fed, grass-fed cows consume grass as their main source of food and can’t be fed grains or grain byproducts. cereals in their vegetative or pre-grain stateĭuring the growing season, grass-fed cattle must have access to pasture ( 1).brassica, such as cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, kale.According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), grass-fed milk is cow’s milk derived from forage-fed cows.
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