ProCon.org writes that milk is one of the most popular beverages in the United States. We have been told it "does a body good," however some scientific studies have found that contrary to popular belief, drinking milk may do more harm to our bodies than good. The proponents of milk say calcium and other vitamins and minerals in milk make it a vital part of a healthful diet for people of all ages. The opponents of milk argue that milk contributes to obesity, calcium deficiency, allergies, heart disease, cancer, and other health ailments. In an article on Jan. 25, 2013, Science Daily has reported, Cows Fed Flaxseed Produce More Nutritious Dairy Products.
According to a new study by Oregon State University dairy cows that are fed flaxseed produce more nutritious milk. It was found that the milk of these cows contained more omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat. Saturated fat is associated with an increase in cholesterol and can cause heart disease, while omega-3 and other polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Gerd Bobe, the lead scientist on the study, traditional cattle feed mixtures of corn, grains, alfalfa hay and grass silage result in dairy products which have low concentrations of omega-3 and other polyunsaturated fats.
Although flaxseed costs more than traditional cattle feeds, Bobe is hoping that it still could be an affordable feed supplement for cows because products which are enriched with omega-3 can sell for a premium at the grocery store. He has said, "Many consumers already show a willingness to pay extra for value-added foods, like omega-3 enriched milk." And he has said that one thing is for sure, "Dairy farmers will have no trouble convincing cows to eat flaxseed. They loved it. They ate it like candy."
