When I decided to switch to buying all organic products, I knew I’d be shelling out more for them. I decided that, if it helps at all, I’d rather pay on this side of things and get the hoped-for health benefits than paying for health care later. I realize that this may not be an either-or proposition but the point is that I’m willing to make an up-front investment in my health.
And this investment is a combination of everything I do. I can’t pin my healthy hopes on just one action or product, as is pointed out in recent news about whether or not there’s more advantage to drinking — and paying more for — organic milk. Recent research shows that there is no real health advantage to drinking organic milk over conventional milk, mainly because there are varying thoughts and practices around each of the USDA’s four requirements needed to label milk as organic. The article positions that this variance muddies the real truth about what organic milk’s advantages are.
From no bovine growth hormone (BGH), to no antibiotics or pesticides, and “access to pasture,” the article uncovers interesting information about each of these four organic milk requirements. This news is still not enough to make me switch to non-organic milk, if for no other reason than it allows me to continue to support the organic industry.
I know that strides in the organic industry take time. I support the moves that have been made so far with these four requirements and trust that the USDA will work to make them more specific. Apparently I’m not alone. In the article’s live vote, approximately 70% of the respondents said they’ll continue to buy organic milk, despite the articles findings.
Like the article concludes, I’m better off focusing on the organic produce and meat I select, which represent a much larger percentage of my diet than my organic milk does. How about you? Does this news affect your likelihood to buy organic milk?
Author by Kristi Anderson
