Answers (6)
1
Jenilee,
I'm a big fan of Smart Balance brand products. Their products are fortified with vitamins and minerals and Omega fatty acids, all in good proportions. That's not a recommendation, however.
In regards to your question, it's hard to find any soy or almond milk these days that isn't relatively simple (ingredient-wise). There is such a thing called the GOMAD diet, or Gallon Of Milk A Day. I've seen this diet used a lot with bodybuilders who are looking to gain mass. Whole milk contains a ton of nutrients, as well as plenty of calcium, carbohydrates, and protein. I think the worst part of cow's milk is the fat content.
Soy milk, I'm on the fence about... You'll find a lot of evidence that soy isn't as good for you as it's said to be, but you'll also find a lot of evidence that soy is great for you. I can tell you that soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs. The same is true for cow's milk. The complete protein in cow's milk is mostly in the form of casein, which is slow-absorbing protein. An example of a fast-absorbing protein would be whey protein, which is also derived from dairy.
Almond milk, like soy milk, has less cholesterol than dairy milk. I've found a great article for you that I view as being legitimate. This article discusses a few pro's and con's for soy vs. almond milk. It's short, and I think you'll be the better for reading it. http://almondmilkbenefits.org/almond-milk-vs-soy-milk/
I've also got a great link for dairy milk for you.
http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/Milk-Dairy/Nutrients-in-Milk.aspx
Do keep in mind, however, these should not be your only sources, and be aware of the fact that there are MANY different versions of milk products out there. Almond milk can come sweetened, so can soy milk. I think that a safe way to go about choosing a milk would be to check the label and educate yourself about the nutritional information for different brands and varieties of these products. In general, I try to look for milk that is fortified, and I stay low to zero on fat content. However, this is a personal choice.
The key to choosing a good milk product would probably be to start by evaluating your daily dietary intake, and then see where different milk products fit into that diet. What fills the gaps in your overall nutrition? You should also consider any allergies that you may have, as any one of these products could cause a reaction depending on your health history.
You should consult a registered dietitian on this for your best answer.
I hope that I've left you with a little more knowledge on the topic! I'm looking forward to reading what others will post on this! Great question.
I'm a big fan of Smart Balance brand products. Their products are fortified with vitamins and minerals and Omega fatty acids, all in good proportions. That's not a recommendation, however.
In regards to your question, it's hard to find any soy or almond milk these days that isn't relatively simple (ingredient-wise). There is such a thing called the GOMAD diet, or Gallon Of Milk A Day. I've seen this diet used a lot with bodybuilders who are looking to gain mass. Whole milk contains a ton of nutrients, as well as plenty of calcium, carbohydrates, and protein. I think the worst part of cow's milk is the fat content.
Soy milk, I'm on the fence about... You'll find a lot of evidence that soy isn't as good for you as it's said to be, but you'll also find a lot of evidence that soy is great for you. I can tell you that soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs. The same is true for cow's milk. The complete protein in cow's milk is mostly in the form of casein, which is slow-absorbing protein. An example of a fast-absorbing protein would be whey protein, which is also derived from dairy.
Almond milk, like soy milk, has less cholesterol than dairy milk. I've found a great article for you that I view as being legitimate. This article discusses a few pro's and con's for soy vs. almond milk. It's short, and I think you'll be the better for reading it. http://almondmilkbenefits.org/almond-milk-vs-soy-milk/
I've also got a great link for dairy milk for you.
http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/Milk-Dairy/Nutrients-in-Milk.aspx
Do keep in mind, however, these should not be your only sources, and be aware of the fact that there are MANY different versions of milk products out there. Almond milk can come sweetened, so can soy milk. I think that a safe way to go about choosing a milk would be to check the label and educate yourself about the nutritional information for different brands and varieties of these products. In general, I try to look for milk that is fortified, and I stay low to zero on fat content. However, this is a personal choice.
The key to choosing a good milk product would probably be to start by evaluating your daily dietary intake, and then see where different milk products fit into that diet. What fills the gaps in your overall nutrition? You should also consider any allergies that you may have, as any one of these products could cause a reaction depending on your health history.
You should consult a registered dietitian on this for your best answer.
I hope that I've left you with a little more knowledge on the topic! I'm looking forward to reading what others will post on this! Great question.
1
Of the three milks, I would choose almond milk. Cow's milk should be consumed by baby cows. It contains 20% of it's calories from protein as compared to human breast milk -- only 5%. Excess protein (more than about 30-40 grams/day) has bee shown to contribute to cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, and many other health conditions. Packaged with cholesterol and fat and other chemicals and additives, cow's milk is not a human food. Soy is extremely controversial. My advice is to shy away from soy because it contains phyto-estrogens which can mimic human estrogen. Surges in estrogen can drive breast cancer. Even organic soy is likely to be GMO modified. Choose almond, oat, hemp, and coconut milk instead. Just remember... all milks are processed foods. Limit your consumption!
1
Marlan answered this question very well, and I agree with many of his points. I actually just read a quick article in a magazine on this very subject: http://www.oxygenmag.com/Nutrition/Articles/6-Milks-to-Consider.aspx (this is the abbreviated version).
Here's a quick breakdown:
Cow's milk = complete protein; comes in many varieties: no/low fat, lactose-free, fortified; not artificially sweetened (except for chocolate/strawberry kinds!); contains the highest amount of calcium; may be unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or casein allergies
Soy milk = complete protein; contains plant-based compounds that may have a beneficial or detrimental health effect; many varieties are sweetened; naturally lower fat/no cholesterol; unsuitable for those with soy allergies
Goat's milk = alternative to cow's milk; complete protein; higher fat content; difficult/expensive to find; may be unsuitable for those with dairy allergies
Almont/rice milk = incomplete protein sources; many varieties are sweetened; significantly less calcium; almond milk unsuitable for those with nut allergies
Here's a quick breakdown:
Cow's milk = complete protein; comes in many varieties: no/low fat, lactose-free, fortified; not artificially sweetened (except for chocolate/strawberry kinds!); contains the highest amount of calcium; may be unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or casein allergies
Soy milk = complete protein; contains plant-based compounds that may have a beneficial or detrimental health effect; many varieties are sweetened; naturally lower fat/no cholesterol; unsuitable for those with soy allergies
Goat's milk = alternative to cow's milk; complete protein; higher fat content; difficult/expensive to find; may be unsuitable for those with dairy allergies
Almont/rice milk = incomplete protein sources; many varieties are sweetened; significantly less calcium; almond milk unsuitable for those with nut allergies
0
Marlan's and Diane's answers are excellent. I do not agree with Peggy. Cow's milk, in my opinion, is a fine food. Just use 0% or 1% fat products to keep the intake of saturated fats to a minimum. The other products tend to be expensive and most are also loaded with sugar. So, as Marlan suggested, read the label to see where sugar shows up in the ingredients list. Three 8oz. glasses a day provides a wide spectrum of essential nutrients.
0
I ran across this on the Yahoo ticker thing today. It's an article about milks. I thought it would add to this topic.
http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/WH/milk-minus-the-cow
http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/WH/milk-minus-the-cow
0
Unless you have issues with dairy I would recommend RAW, ORGANIC, WHOLE MILK. It is the most nutritious.
