Introduction
If you’re a parent, you know that the health and well-being of your child is the top priority. One big question for many parents is what kind of milk should be served at mealtimes – dairy or plant-based? While both have their individual merits, it can be difficult to decide between them as each has its own pros and cons. In this blog post, we will explore the differences in nutrition value and taste between dairy milk and plant-based milk options to help you make an informed decision about which one might be best for your family. We hope this information will provide a valuable resource to assist in navigating parenting decisions. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about these two types of milks so together we can determine what works best for our children!
Introducing the debate - what’s the difference between dairy milk and plant-based milk
It's an age-old debate - dairy milk or plant-based milk? The differences between these two milks are more than just the ingredients, although in general dairy milk is derived from cow's milk and plant-based milks are made from plants. Understanding the differences between these two milks can make a huge impact on both personal health and environmental sustainability, making it important for people to have knowledge about which one is better for them.
Both dairy milk and plant-based milk have unique nutritional profiles, so understanding the benefits of each type of milk may help people decide what’s best for them nutritionally and ethically. Regardless of which kind people choose to consume, there is information available to help guide individuals toward making informed decisions about their own food choices. Check out this article to learn more about the difference between the two milks.
Dairy milk vs. plant-based milk - breaking down their nutritional values
The debate about the superiority of either dairy milk or plant-based milk is a complex one; however, it can be illuminated further when we take a look at their respective nutritional values. Dairy milk has several nutrients, such as calcium and protein, that are beneficial for bones, muscles, and other parts of the body. Plant-based milks, on the other hand, often contain alternative forms of protein and calcium to meet nutritional needs in non-dairy diets.
Compared to one cup of whole-fat cow’s milk, most plant-based milks have 37% to 75% less fat. Many varieties of non-dairy milk, including almond, rice, coconut, hemp and cashew milk, are lower in calories than dairy milk. Depending on your diet and lifestyle choices, both dairy milk or plant-based milks may offer different values that are pertinent to you. Ultimately, it's important to understand how each may fulfill your requirements before making an informed decision.
Why dairy milk could be better for some people
Many people may be choosing plant-based milk over regular dairy milk as they see it as a healthier alternative. However, dairy milk also has some benefits that need to be taken into consideration. Dairy milk is naturally rich in calcium and protein, both of which are important for strong bones, healthy muscles, overall growth, and repair in the body; something that's hard to replicate with vegan products and can easily be found in cow's milk.
Additionally, many dairy milks are fortified with vitamin D, which helps with our body's immune system, making it an important nutritional choice for those who choose to consume it. Despite its reputation as being unhealthy or unnatural due to the way cows are treated by some dairy farms, there are many companies that treat their animals well while producing high-quality milk that could provide valuable nutrients and vitamins to people who want them. Ultimately, individuals will have to decide what works best for them when it comes to choosing between dairy or plant-based milk. Click here for more information on why milk can be better for some people.
Why plant-based milk could be better for others
Plant-based milk has far more health benefits than dairy-based milk. It contains beneficial vitamins, like Vitamin B12 and iron, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based milk is also typically cholesterol and lactose free, making it a healthier alternative for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities. Finally, plant-based milks often use less water than the farming of dairy cows, which could prove beneficial in areas of water scarcity. Additionally, the movements towards veganism and sustainability have made many people reexamine their dietary choices and choose a plant-based option over traditional dairy production and consumption for environmental reasons. All these factors make plant-based milks attractive options for those who are looking to take better care of their health or reduce their impacts on the environment. Check out this article to see why plant based milk can be better.
The environmental impact of both types of milks
Switching to dairy milk or plant-based milk can have a huge impact on the environment. Dairy milk can produce high levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide -- all of which are classified as greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming. Plant-based milks, while still using resources such as land and water, generate fewer emissions in comparison. Moreover, animal agriculture requires a larger amount of resources than plant-based farming; this means that choosing to invest in plant-based milk may result in significantly fewer outputs of greenhouse gases due to the more efficient use of natural land and resources. How we choose to fuel our bodies affects not only our health but also our planet’s. Making conscious decisions with regards to milk consumption will help us embark on sustainability journeys that benefit both humans and the environment.
Other alternatives to cow’s milk
There are many alternatives to cow’s milk, ranging from nut and seed-based milks to plant-based oat, coconut and pea milks. Soy milk is made by soaking and grinding soy beans, while almond milk is made by blanching and puréeing almonds that have been soaked in water overnight. Rice milk is a popular alternative as well, being produced through boiling and straining brown or white rice. Coconut milk can be obtained either from the pressing of grated coconuts or diluted coconut cream. Many of these options contain essential vitamins and minerals that regular dairy milk does not offer. Therefore, it may be beneficial for one’s diet to explore some of these other alternatives aside from regular cow's milk - no matter what kind of lifestyle one leads.
Conclusion
As we have seen, both dairy milk and plant-based milk are good options for people who want to add more nutrition to their diet. Everyone's health needs are different and will depend on their lifestyle, so do your research to learn which type of milk is best for you. We cannot ignore the environmental impact that cow’s milk production has, so wherever possible people should aim to reduce consumption or look into alternative sources of calcium. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide what works best for them when selecting their own dairy or plant-based products. It's important that everyone finds out what they really need in order to stay healthy - join YFN academy now! With YFN academy, you can fast track your health journey learning amazing tools and tricks used by health trainers all over the world!
Sources:
Kubala, Jillian. "5 Ways That Drinking Milk Can Improve Your Health." Healthline, 18 Mar. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-benefits.
"Milk vs. Non-Dairy Milks: Which Is Better for Your Health and the Environment?". Gonna Need Milk, 15 Mar. 2021, https://gonnaneedmilk.com/articles/milk-vs-non-dairy-milks/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxMmhBhDJARIsANFGOSv0y3Ctxyw17BBhPHZmoeMDbGOCRW61imjPepGlZGFWcy3jwt0GOlAaArXWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds.
"Should You Switch to Plant-Based Milk?." UCLA Health, 24 Jan. 2022, https://www.uclahealth.org/news/should-you-switch-to-plant-based-milk.
Yildiz, Ashley S. "5 Reasons to Jump on the Plant-Based Dairy Trend". OMDForThePlanet, 24 Jun. 2019, https://omdfortheplanet.com/blog/5-reasons-plant-based-milk/.
