Organic milk: better for you

Milk from organically reared cattle that is better for you, according to a new study by the University of Newcastle.

MIlk from cattle reared on a diet of fresh grass contains more omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid, known as CLA9, than milk produced at intensive commercial dairy farms.

Gillian Butler, who led the research at the University of Newcastle, said: 'I would say organic milk should be better for health from what we know of the benefits of these good fatty acids.'

The milk study was published yesterday in the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture.

Peter Melchett of the Soil Association said: 'This research confirms what organic farmers and consumers have long believed to be true.

'Some sceptics have thrown doubts on the benefit of organic milk because scientists had not shown precisely how organic farming makes a positive difference. This latest research demonstrates that it is the cows' organic diet that makes their milk healthier.'

The University of Newcastle's study has concluded that milk from organically reared cattle that is better for you, containing more good fatty acids such as omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid, known as CLA9.

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