If you’re trying to save money like I am, it seems like a no-brainer to reach for the more reasonably priced options at the grocery store whenever possible. This goes double for meat and dairy products, which are typically the priciest items on your grocery list. Before you do check out this post, because choosing organic may save you more in the long run. I’m sure you’ve heard some murmurs about hormones and other harmful substances being in your milk, but let me break it down for you a little further. 1) Conventional dairy farms inject their cows with hormones. rBGH (or the Bovine Growth Hormone) is a synthetic, man-made substance used in conventional dairy farms to stimulate milk production. Studies have shown that the hormone causes increased levels of IGF-1 (or Insulin Growth Factor) in humans, which in turn causes certain cells to grow. There is concern that increased levels of IGF-1 in the bloodstream can cause health ailments and cancers but studies so far are inconclusive. However, there is enough concern that rBGH use is illegal across Europe, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. 2) Conventional dairy farms use lots of antibiotics...which seep into the milk supply. It is common for dairy farms to give cows antibiotics to treat infections within the herd. While organic cows are removed from milk production until the antibiotics have gone through their system and the infection is healed, conventional cows are not. Use of rBGH also commonly causes mastitis (an infection of the udders) which is treated through heavy use of antibiotics. It is unknown on the impact of increased antibiotic-resistant bacteria in our system. 3) Conventional dairy farms keep their herds cooped up in factories. Forget animal rights. The food of choice for cows is fresh green grass and for good reason: it keeps them healthy and lean. When dairy cows are cooped up in factories feeding off of corn and other grain remnants, their bodies can’t digest properly and require more antibiotics to keep from getting sick. Organic regulations require that cows are pasture fed and can graze to their hearts desire. I hope this was helpful and didn’t ruin your morning latte ritual too much. As always, PM me if you have any questions. Have a great day all! Xo Saranna
Posted on: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 11:31:10 +0000