Organic Milk has Proven Health Benefits, says Independent article

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Wednesday, 20 April 2005

In an article in The Independent entitled 'Organic - what's really in it?, organic milk is sited as one of the products with definite health benefits. The following is an extract:

For organic:
Research shows that organic milk has higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, "probably because it comes from cows that have been allowed to forage and eat grass and clover, instead of concentrated cereal which non-organic cattle feed on," says Leifert. "These are significant composition differences, which are normally accepted as a sign of healthier food. And it seems to be the clover, compulsory for organic dairy herds, that makes the difference."

It's not just the vitamins in organic dairy products that are fat soluble. So are the pesticides, used on cattle feed, points out Olivier, "so the pesticide residue is much more highly concentrated in fatty food, particularly dairy". Two particular groups will benefit particularly from organic dairy produce, she says: anyone with a hormone-based cancer and all pre-teen children "because while pesticides are far less diluted in children, pesticide levels are never tested on children".

Against:
Pesticides are never harmful - and that goes for dairy products too, says the Food Standards Agency (FSA). What's more, while organic cheeses may be healthier, they're almost certainly not tastier. "The organic sector has got a long way to go before it can make decent Stilton," says Blythman. [We would disagree and Cropwell Bishop organic stilton won supreme champion at the national dairy show in 2003! - Ed]

Verdict: There are very good reasons for buying organic milk and cheese, especially for children and some cancer sufferers. But if you want a traditional farmhouse cheese, forget organic (for now).

For full article go to http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/food_and_drink/features/story.jsp?story=630785