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With several types of milk available, how do we know what is best for us? The answer depends on health issues such as allergies and intolerances as well as personal preference. Let's examine the choices available.

Cow's Milk

Cow's milk is known to contain nutrients beneficial to human health. It is a great source of calcium, protein, potassium and phosphorus. There are many types of cow's milk available. The most popular types of cow's milk sold in grocery stores are whole milk, reduced fat or 2% milk, low fat or 1% milk and fat free milk.

Cow's milk remains the most popular choice for many people. Cow's milk is commonly available in grocery and convenience stores. The price of cow's milk is generally less than milk alternatives. Cow's milk is also provided through the WIC program for pregnant women, babies and children under age 5.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is made from soy beans and used as a popular alternative to dairy milk. Soy milk has been used for a while by those who are lactose intolerant or who prefer to avoid animal products.

You can find out more on the popular brand of Silk soy milk on their website at www.silksoymilk.com.

Goat's Milk

Goat milk is another alternative to cow's milk and also to soy milk. Goat's milk is easier to digest for many people. Goat milk has a higher amount of vitamins and nutrients than are found in cow's milk.

Rice Milk

Rice milk is a kind of grain milk that is processed from rice. Rice milk is a very low allergenic milk.

More about milk

According to an FDA article about milk, pasteurization is a vital process that uses heat to destroy harmful bacteria in animal milk without significantly changing the milk's nutritional value or flavor.

The pasteurization kills bacteria that can cause many diseases in humans and also bacteria that create spoilage, thus extending the shelf life of the milk.

The FDA website, www.fda.gov, offers a vast array of information pertaining to health issues with milk.

According to the website, www.naturalnews.com, approximately 75% of the world's population is lactose intolerant. This has contributed to the growing popularity of alternative milk choices.

Cow's milk is still recommended for young children, under 5 years of age, who are able to tolerate it. Babies who are not able to be breast fed are usually put on a formula made from cow's milk, unless they are lactose intolerant. If they are, they are usually put on a formula made of soy milk.

The most important considerations to be made when choosing the type of milk for yourself and your family are any allergies, intolerances and health concerns. Once you've eliminated the unhealthy choices, it becomes a choice based on individual preferences.

Learn more about this author, Monica Garrett.
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