As someone who grew up on a dairy farm (with 150 cows) you would think I know a thing or two about milk. But the thing is, once the cow has produced the milk and it’s been collected and put in a tank- the following process is behind closed doors- taken off to another, much larger farm to be pasteurized, homogenised etc. Our farm turned organic in 2002 and I have since always drank organic milk. However, with recent discussions surrounding its impact on men’s hormones and the real benefits of organic milk, I’ve been compelled to ask myself, “Why drink organic milk?”

Apart from the colour of the cap- what’s the difference between milks in general?

The difference between whole, skimmed, and semi-skimmed milk lies in the fat content and how the milk is processed to achieve it. Here’s a breakdown of their production processes:

Steps Shared by All

Pasteurization: All types are heated to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

Homogenization: Milk is forced through small openings to break fat molecules into smaller particles, ensuring the fat doesn’t separate from the liquid.

1. Whole Milk

Fat Content: Around 3.5% (varies slightly depending on the country or brand).

Process: Whole milk is pasteurized to kill bacteria and homogenized to evenly distribute the fat, preventing it from separating. It retains most of the natural cream content from the cow.

2. Semi-Skimmed Milk

Fat Content: Around 1.5–2%.

Process: After pasteurization and homogenization, some of the cream is removed to reduce the fat content while retaining more fat than skimmed milk.

3. Skimmed Milk

Fat Content: Typically less than 0.1%.

Process: Most or all of the cream is removed after pasteurization. This gives it a lighter texture and fewer calories but also removes much of the natural richness and fat-soluble vitamins*.

Which is the healthy choice?

*Focussing here on those fat-soluble vitamins; this includes Vitamin A and Vitamin D.  Some people prefer whole milk because it contains healthy fats, which are important for brain health and hormone regulation. The fat in whole milk can also help absorb fat-soluble vitamins better than lower-fat milk.

On the other hand, if someone is trying to limit calorie intake or reduce saturated fat, skimmed or semi-skimmed milk might be a better choice. If you are a healthy weight, whole milk is better as all foods are better absorbed in their most natural composition.

Drinking Organic milk is not just good for the environment, it can have significant health benefits on you.

1. Nutritional Profile

Organic milk typically contains higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. This is largely due to the cows’ diet, which often includes grass and forage.

Some studies suggest that organic milk has a better balance of omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, which is important for reducing inflammation in the body.

2. Animal Welfare

Organic farming standards prioritize better living conditions for dairy cows, including access to pasture and more humane treatment. Healthier, stress-free animals are often linked to higher-quality milk.

3. Environmental Impact

Organic farming practices avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can help protect soil health, reduce water pollution, and promote biodiversity.

By supporting organic milk production, you contribute to more sustainable farming systems.

4. Taste and Purity

Many people find organic milk tastes fresher or cleaner due to its production methods. It may also appeal to those looking to reduce their exposure to chemical contaminants.

While organic milk tends to be more expensive, the perceived health benefits, ethical considerations, and environmental sustainability make it a worthwhile choice.

Hormone Content in Organic vs. Conventional Milk

As a huge advocate for organic farming and organic milk, I would sort of like to write here about hormones being in conventional milk. But in the UK, that is simply not the case. rBGH or rBST has  been banned in the UK and the EU for nearly over twenty years. That means, nearly all milks in the UK contain only naturally occurring hormones. It’s still worth knowing about them, but the main benefits of organic milk are the omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, the environmental impact and the taste due to cows mainly being in pasture.

Organic Milk Benefits for Men

The higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in organic milk, compared to conventional milk, support overall health, including hormonal regulation and cardiovascular health.So, overall- if you read our article on whole foods you would naturally understand that drinking whole milk is the best, most natural way to consume the product. You may now have learnt that nutrient balance in organic milk is good for our health and heart. If you make choices based on environmental factors, organic farming practices avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which can help protect soil health, reduce water pollution, and promote biodiversity.