5 Reasons Why Organic Dairy is Better

From deli cheeses to cakes and pies quality dairy products are making a big difference in the world of food. Many people have already made the switch to organic dairy products and they are now available in most mainstream grocery stores. Organic dairy products are quickly becoming more than just specialized products for vegetarians and those of us who choose to eat organic. Organic dairy products are a wholesome source of animal protein made without the use of hormones, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms that have been typically associated with dairy foods. Choosing organic dairy products makes for a much healthier planet. Here are five good reasons why you should seriously consider organic dairy over the conventional choice.

1. We Have Enough Hormones Already

Since the feed of conventional cows is regularly mixed with Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH) it is passed on to humans through the commercial milk supply and these are not hormones that we need in our bodies. Dairy farmers use BGH to increase the amount of milk each cow produces on a daily basis. Most people see this as unethical because it often causes the cows to feel great pain from accelerated growth. Repeated milking can also cause sores and blisters to form on the udder of the cow. Often times these sores break open and spread the infection to the milk supply.

Many food safety organizations, scientists, and regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe are investigating the effects of BGH on humans. One study linked the exposure to BGH with the growth of cancerous cells in the body. The BGH can cause cancer in the breasts, colon, and prostate of humans. Organic dairy milk does not contain BGH and is thus free of this long term risk associated with the consumption of commercial milk.

2. Antibiotics Should Come With a Prescription

Speaking of things you don’t need, antibiotics are routinely added to animal feed whether the animals are sick or not. Farmers do this to speed up the growth of the cows and compensate for the unclean environment these animals usually live in. Often time’s cows are kept inside a fluorescent lighted barn or shed and they are confined to small cages. The cages the cows are often kept in are not big enough for them to even turn around in, and most of the time they cannot lay down because they are tied or chained around their necks. Frequently these cows do not see daylight or get the chance to smell fresh air until they are slaughtered. Sadly millions of cows die each year due to squalid conditions and inhumane treatment.

These animals are routinely given antibiotics to fight disease and infection that regularly appear in these types of conditions. When the cows are milked the antibiotics are passed into the commercial milk supply and on to humans which has caused a resistance to almost every antibiotic that can be prescribed by a doctor. The United States government is aware of the mounting problem facing America due to the regular ingestion of antibiotics through commercial grade milk, but nothing has been done to stop the use of antibiotics in the feed of animals. Antibiotic administration is not permitted for use on organic animals which makes them safe for humans to consume.

3. Clean Water is Safe for Humans and the Environment

The idea using pesticides in the beginning was a good idea. Pesticides keep insects and other animals from destroying our food supply. But in recent years pesticide use has been questioned. Where does all that pesticide run off go to when it rains? As it washes off the plants it is absorbed into our streams, rivers, and oceans. Pesticides have been blamed for the increase of fluoride and mercury that is killing our fresh water fish and plants all over the country. Often time’s food that has been sprayed with pesticide is later turned into feed for animals. The feed contains pesticides and when the animals eat it, it is released into their blood stream. Then when we eat the animals or the by products like milk and we ingest the chemicals.

Organic animals eat organic feed that was grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. When you buy organic cheese, yogurt, milk and eggs you know you are getting clean food that is free from pesticides. This clean food has become known as green food or super food in the world of organics. If you buy organic food you are actually helping to save the environment and keep our waters clean, as well as your body. A study of preschool children in 2003 found that children who ate organic foods had one sixth the level of pesticides in their urine as those who consumed conventional products.

4. Organic Cows Are Free to Roam

One of the biggest differences between organic and non organic animals is that organic animals are free to roam. Organically raised animals are typically treated nicer than conventional farm raised animals. Organic dairy cows have access to pastures, the outdoors, sun and shade, exercise, and fresh air. They live much happier lives than those of the tormented animals raised on farms. Organic animals are allowed to run and bask in the sun, as well as interact with other animals, and they are encouraged to exercise and access the outdoors whenever they want.

5. Organic Dairy Looks and Tastes Better

People eat organic foods for many reasons. But if you ask most people why they choose organic food they will tell you because it tastes and looks better than conventional food. Corn is sweeter, butter is creamier, and organic cheese usually tastes better than processed. The colors of the food are more vibrant and the foods themselves are better for you.

See what difference organic dairy products can make for you and your family. It only takes one family buying organic products to keep one organic farm open. Organic farmers will thank you for your support and you will find that you love your food. Organic farming supports sustainable agriculture which is better for the environment, humans, and animals.