Healthy Habits – Farm School

Author: Kayla Phaneuf

While most Americans have cow milk in their fridge, goat milk is actually the most consumed type of milk in the world! (WebMD) Goats are more accessible and easier to manage for people in other countries compared to cows. How do they compare in terms of health benefits? Is cow milk better for you or is goat milk actually healthier?

Nutrition Levels

Goat milk contains more protein, fat, calories, and less cholesterol than cow’s milk. While goat milk could be a better benefit to those with high cholesterol, cow’s milk might be a better option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake. Both types of milk are also heavier in different vitamins; for instance, goat milk has more calcium, while cow’s milk has more B12 (PureWow).

Lactose and Digestibility

Milk alternatives are on the rise and many who have lactose issues are turning to almond, coconut, soy, and oat milk. While they can fill the hole in a diet as a tasty substitute, they do not provide the same nutrients or health benefits as an animal’s milk might. Goat milk could be the solution to those who have some trouble digesting lactose. It contains 12% less lactose per cup than cow’s milk (Healthline).

Which is Better?

In conclusion, neither milk is particularly more healthy than the other, but each provides its own form of nutrition in its own way. Depending on the type of nutrients one is specifically looking for their milk consumption to provide, researching the properties of each milk type could be a great benefit to one’s diet and overall health. Sometimes varying the types of milk used in your meals can be beneficial, and it never hurts to try something new!

Header photo provided by Kaleb Tapp, Unsplash

Author: Kayla Phaneuf

Since childhood, we are told that too much sugar is bad for one’s health. While that is true, does that mean all sugar is equally bad for your body? Not necessarily. There are generally two different groups of sugars: natural sugars, which can be found in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains, and added sugars, which are processed or refined sugars added to food items like baked goods, cereal, soda, juice, and yogurt. So why should one prioritize fruit sugars over added sugars?

Nutritional Value

Foods with natural sugars (whole fruits and vegetables) contain additional nutrition: protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamins. This kind of natural nutritional value is not found in processed foods and can benefit your body while also tasting yummy. For example, one normal sized whole orange versus a glass of orange juice has drastic differences in nutritional value: juice contains more calories, less natural pulps and oxidants, less fibers, and significantly more sugar.

Whole Fruits are More Filling

Whole fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges are much more filling than a muffin, cookie, or cereal. This is because the body’s metabolism of processed and refined sugars works differently than when it is breaking down whole fruits. Because refined sugars are not as filling, it makes it easier to consume higher amounts of it due to the cravings it causes; whole fruits are a more balanced way to intake sugar. This week, instead of eating flavored yogurts in the morning chock full of added sugars, try plain yogurt and add fresh fruit and granola to it. This will keep you full for longer and better benefit your health.

There’s nothing wrong with eating sugary treats every once in a while; balance is key. Awareness of the differences between natural fruit sugars and refined sugars is important and benefits one’s overall health long term. Next time you reach for a sugary snack, try something new and replace the craving with an apple, grapes, or a banana.

References:

The Conversation– If sugar is so bad for us, whis is the sugar in fruit OK?

Healthline- The No BS Guide to Added Sugar

Platejoy- Added sugar vs natural sugar: what’s the difference?

Mindpost- Cut sugar consumption to 5 percent of total daily calories, experts say

Tag: Healthy Habits

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