Non-Dairy Milk Options Amid Concerns of Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle

With the discovery of a virulent strain of bird flu in several herds of dairy cattle last month, there has been some concern about its potential spread to the milk supply. Although a CDC advisory claims pasteurization can kill the virus, other experts say contaminated milk could reach consumers. As a result, some people may choose to move away from cow’s milk and explore non-dairy options.

Our Long History With Milk

For millennia, people from cultures around the globe have been drinking milk from cows and other animals like sheep and goats.

Milk is a nutrient-rich, complete food made by mammals to feed their young, and offers essential nutrients like protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, zinc, and vitamins A and B12. It also contains saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and cholesterol, which vary depending on the type of milk you choose.

Despite its benefits, dairy cows in commercial milk production may be subjected to sub-optimal living conditions and given a variety of hormones, antibiotics, and other medications that we are ultimately also ingesting. These extra “ingredients” aren’t on the label, making it hard to know what’s in the milk we drink.

Read Full Article Here