
I do use maple syrup for Mediterranean recipes that ask for sugar. This list of dairy milks will make putting together your weekly shopping list easier-and healthier-than ever.I do understand that there is not a lot of maple syrup in the Mediterranean diet, but having grown up in Vermont and lived in New England most of my life, I have a natural predisposition to loving the stuff. "New studies have shown no association between full-fat dairy and a risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity." What's more, not only does full-fat milk taste better, Rueven says the high-fat content makes it more satiating and can potentially prevent over-eating later on. "Dietary recommendations to avoid full-fat dairy intake are not supported by the literature," says Magryta. For a long time, consumers were warned to avoid the full-fat content of whole milk, but that's no longer the best recommendation.

"Labels that read 'rBGH free' ensure the milk product does not come from cows treated with rBGH, but it doesn't mean they haven't been given antibiotics, GMO grains, or weren't milked while pregnant," says Magryta.

It's wise to avoid it, but a rBGH-free label doesn't mean your milk is responsibly sourced, either. Recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rBGH, has been given to dairy cattle for decades despite the health problems it often causes the animals (and the fact that can pass to humans by drinking milk from cows treated with rBGH). Nicole Magryta, RDN and author of Nourish Your Tribe, says A1 and A2 refers to the subtypes of beta-casein protein found in dairy: "A2 cow's milk, which comes from certain breeds of cattle like Jersey or Guernsey breeds, is less inflammatory than A1 cow's milk, the vast majority of what's available on store shelves." You might never have heard of these labels before, but you should know what they mean if you're a regular milk-drinker. FYI, to be classified as organic, cows must have been fed at least 30 percent of their diet from grass. "Cows that were fed mostly grass produce milk that has more omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart and brain health," explains Rueven. But that doesn't mean all those milks are created equal there are a few things to look for if you're trying to buy the healthiest milk around.


You can buy milk at nearly every store that sells consumable products-from supermarkets and big box stores right down to your local corner gas station. (Most plant-based milks, on the other hand, contain less than a single gram of protein, meaning they aren't a 1:1 nutritional swap). "Most dairy milks are also fortified with vitamin D, a vitamin that is not widely found in our food supply but is important for immune function, bone health, and mood regulation, among other things."Īnd let's not forget about protein: Rueven says one cup of milk contains eight grams of protein, making it a great source of the same stuff which supports immune function, builds and repairs tissues, and produces necessary amino acids and hormones. "Milk contains many important nutrients, including vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A," says registered dietitian Sarah Rueven, founder of Rooted Wellness.
