01/29/2012 01:52 PM

Do Your Part: Choosing Milk

By: Terri Bennett

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We have all heard the phrase, Milk does a body good.

Mothers know milk is a good thing from nourishing our children to preventing osteoporosis as we age. However, which kind of milk is best? Do Your Part to pick what is the best kind of milk for you and your family.

If you are looking for cow milk that is free of antibiotics or growth hormones, you can look for those terms on the label or you can choose organic. Organic milk contains a higher amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants because the cows which produce the milk are fed an organic-only diet. Organic milk also has a longer shelf life because of the way it is processed. If it’s organic milk that you want, make sure the word organic is on the label.

If you want another milk option that is free of antibiotics and hormones, then soy milk may be the right choice. It is made from soybeans and is a good dairy substitute because it is naturally high in protein. It is also a good source of fiber. However, calcium is not naturally found in soy so that is added to the milk.

Some people find the taste different from regular milk, so check a few brands to see which tastes best to you. The benefits of soy milk are not just for your health. Since it does not come from cows, the overall process to make it is not as bad on the environment.

Whatever choice you make for milk, Do Your Part to know what is really in the milk that you are serving your family.