The doctor discovers the truth about non -good milk options – and if any of them is healthier than cow’s milk

Question:Â Hello Dr. Zac, I am the barista in a wild cafe in Bondi, Australia. I have not named the cafe, because I will surely lose my work for what I will say.

People here run me nuts. I like to make great coffee, but all this absurd milk choices are giving me a headache.

Customers say they drink tonsils, oats or soy milk because it is better for them or because they have a kind of allergy, but I cannot help, but wonder if some of them are just a trend.

Are people really so sensitive to milk, or is it just another fad? Are these alternative milk really better than good good cream milk?

Honestly, when someone orders the regular cow’s milk, I just want to give them a hug. Can you give me some strong information to set the record straight to these customers?

I feel like some of them are more focused on trends than understanding what is best for their health. â € ” Charlie, 23, Randwick, new South Wales

Reply: Believe me, friend, take it. The world has absolutely crazy with milk these days, but I am here to help clear the confusion once and for all.

First things first, let’s address your point for milk allergies. Even I jump a little when I go to the counter to order my coffee and there are eight different milk to choose.

And I’m sure some people just want to board the gang, but let me assure you: lactose intolerance and current milk allergies are very true.

It’s not just something people claim for attention – we’ve got some serious intestinal dramas that occur under the surface.

There are many people there who cannot touch the dairy without feeling as if their stomach is organizing a protest.

So when one orders that oat milk, they certainly do not want to get into a full medical discussion with you. They just don’t want to spend the next hour on the porcelain throne.

But let’s talk about the main event here: Is herbal milk based really better than the good milk of the old cow? Is all the hype? Or are people in something?

Cow’s milk: OG (with some warnings)

Cow’s milk has been the golden standard for decades. Complete or weak milk, cow’s milk is filled with protein (about 8g per cup), calcium (300mg) and vitamins such as A, D and B12.

It is an absolute sample for building strong bones, enhancing energy and keeping the immune system in high form. Plus, are the things you grew up, right?

For me, I spent three years as a child on a milky farm, where we have harvested stable milk for our small community – not for sale.

This meant that we would not overestimate cows and they lived a much happier, healthier life.

I have almost never found milk like the one since then, and while it may not be realistic for mass production, I will still choose that kind of milk over everything else – especially when I just want to make a glass of milk cold.

But for those who mainly use milk in coffee, that level of effort may not be needed.

Environmental Impact:

The biggest challenge with cow’s milk is its environmental trail. Milk farming requires significant amounts of water and soil, with cows consuming large amounts of food that requires agricultural resources.

Moreover, the production of cow’s milk results in high greenhouse gas emissions, mainly methane.

However, small -scale, well -managed dairy farms that prioritize the well -being of animals and regenerative agricultural practices significantly reduce these negative impacts.

The best case scenario for the environment and ethics would be milk sourced from cows fed, well -treated.

Verdict:

Nutritional, cow’s milk is still one of the best, but comes at an environmental cost, unless it is derived from ethical, stable farms.

A2 Milk: New dairy in the city (but is it better?)

Milk A2 is marketed as easier to digest for people who are susceptible to regular cow’s milk.

The idea is that A2 milk comes from cows that produce a different form of protein, which some people see softer in their gut.

Research suggests that A2 protein is less likely to cause digestive discomfort compared to A1 protein found in regular cow’s milk.

However, it still contains lactose, so it will not work for those with complete lactose intolerance.

Environmental Impact:

Since A2 milk still comes from cows, its environmental trail is almost identical to regular cow’s milk. However, some A2 milk brands focus on better animal well -being and sustainability practices.

If you are going to choose dairy and digestion is an issue, Milk A2 from an ethical source is a reasonable choice.

Verdict:

Good for digestion, but otherwise similar on nutrition and environmental impact with standard cow milk.

Plant -based milk: good, evil and nuts

Almond milk: Guzzler of water

Almond milk is low in calories and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D as they lack these nutrients naturally.

However, nutritious, it is quite poor – offering only about 1g of protein per 100ml.

Environmental Impact:

The environmental number of almond milk is important, requiring large amounts of water to produce – about 371 liters per liter of almond milk.

Moreover, almond agriculture relies heavily on commercial beekeeping, which has been linked to the decline of the bee population due to the exposure of pesticides and the functioning of the colony. If durability is your concern, almond milk is one of the worst choices.

Verdict:

Low nutrition and high environmental cost – best avoids if durability is important to you.

Soybean milk: Balanced medium soil

Soybean milk provides a strong balance, providing 3-4g proteins per 100ml-many closer to cow’s milk than other plants based options.

Studies show that soy is a useful alternative due to its high protein and the ability to strengthen with calcium and essential vitamins.

Environmental Impact:

While soybean crops contribute to deforestation in some regions, soy used for milk production usually comes from more sustainable, non -GMO sources.

Compared to almond milk, soybean milk requires much less water and does not affect pollination like bees. However, the responsible source is essential.

Verdict:

A strong nutrient with a moderate environmental impact – auxiliary issues.

Oat milk: eco-friendly favorite

Oat milk has increased in popularity for its creamy structure and lower environmental trail. There are about 1-2g of proteins per 100 ml, making it lower in protein than soy milk, but a reasonable alternative.

Environmental Impact:

Oat milk is one of the best options when it comes to consistency. It requires significantly less water than almond milk, produces minimum greenhouse gases and does not rely on bee pollination.

However, some commercial brands of oat milk contain oils and added sugars, which can reduce their overall health benefits.

Verdict:

A good environmental option with moderate food – check tags for unnecessary additives.

Macadamia Milk: Premium option

Macadamia Milk is a younger player in the alternative milk space. It offers a smooth, creamy structure and contains healthy mono-unsaturated fats. However, it has very little protein, similar to almond milk.

Environmental Impact:

Macadamias require less water than tonsils, but still need a significant amount of agricultural input. Because Macadamia trees last longer to mature, they require significant land use before giving ancient.

Verdict:

A premium option with a lower environmental impact than almond milk, but not as stable as oats or soybeans.

Final Judgment: Best and least harmful elections

Best for food:

1. Cow’s milk (if tolerated and ethically sourced)
2. Soy milk (high protein, fortified with calcium and vitamins)
3. A2 milk (if dairy is an option but digestion is an issue)

Best for the environment:

1. Oat milk (low use of water, no influence of bees, no deforestation)
2. Soy milk (moderate impact, depends on help)
3. Macadamia milk (better than tonsils but toxic-intensive)

The truth is that there is no response of an appropriate size, but at least now you have the facts to support your coffee conversations.