Why Whole Fat, Organic Milk Is The Healthiest Choice (But Not The Cheapest!)

Scientists already knew that organic milk was healthier than regular milk. A recent study from Washington State University demonstrated one of the reasons why, which could spur cardiovascular-conscious consumers to shell out a few more quarters for the organic brand and possibly convince buyers to move one or more levels up in terms of milk fat percentage (from skim to one percent to two percent to whole).

Researchers analyzed over 400 samples of organic and traditional milk, and found a significant difference in the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids, according to Fox News. Traditional milk had much higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, long considered to lower cholesterol. They do, but in excess they actually increase the risk of cardiovascular disease "because of its effects on other mechanisms," according to the WSU's study author Donald R. Davis.

"In the 50s, 60s and 70s, it was discovered that omega-6 fatty acids decrease cholesterol levels, so it became a bandwagon," Davis told Fox. "...But it turns out there's more to heart disease than just cholesterol levels, and many people think that (omega-6), though it does lower cholesterol, may increase risk for heart disease because of its effects on other mechanisms."

The typical American's diet contains an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of between 10-to-1 and 15-to-1 and the ideal ratio in the human body is 2.3-to-1, according to the researchers. Conventional milk has a ratio of around 5.8-to-1, organic milk 2.3-to-1. Thus, milk consumption is healthy regardless; organic milk is just a little healthier (and a little pricier!).

"Never before had there been a study like ours, which was nationwide and also went on for 18 months," study author and WSU research associate Donald R. Davis told FoxNews.com.

"In the 50s, 60s and 70s, it was discovered that omega-6 fatty acids decrease cholesterol levels, so it became a bandwagon," Davis said. "...But it turns out there's more to heart disease than just cholesterol levels, and many people think that (omega-6), though it does lower cholesterol, may increase risk for heart disease because of its effects on other mechanisms."

Organic milk comes from cows that are pasture-red, or their natural diet; conventional milk comes from cows fed corn and soybeans, which scientists believe skews the omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio, Fox reported.

Davis and his fellow researchers used whole-milk throughout the course of their study and claim the health benefits associated with milk decrease as fat percentages decrease.

"The evidence (that low-fat is better) is pretty weak, and there's quite a bit of evidence that full-fat milk has beneficial properties too," Davis said. "Though the dietary guidelines for the U.S. for many years have recommended reduced fat, I think that will probably change some day."