Milk. Growing up, this was a pretty simple concept for me. It was that eight-ounce glass of two percent that I drank every night at dinner, with an occasional squirt of Hershey’s chocolate syrup if my dad was feeling extra generous. But as I have gotten older, milk has gotten more and more complicated. It all started in middle school when I started learning about the difference between skim milk and two percent. When I finally wrapped my head around what exactly that difference was, I had hit high school. All the sudden my wannabe-hippie, vegetarian friends started introducing me to soymilk and preaching about the health and environmental benefits of the stuff.
Now I’m a college sophomore, and it seems like the flood gates have been opened, so to speak. There are people who drink almond milk, raw milk, organic milk, and even hemp milk. There seem to be pros and cons to each variety, but which milk is best? And how’s a Collegiette™ to choose the right milk for her? Here is just a quick profile of some of the most popular varieties of what used to be a simple glass of milk.
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1)     Soymilk – Soymilk can be a great alternative to pasteurized milk for vegetarians, vegans, or those who are lactose intolerant. Silk, a popular brand of soymilk, contains calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and is safe for children and pregnant women. It’s lower in saturated fat than regular milk and contains no cholesterol. However, there are quite a few negative rumors floating around about soy. Some studies have shown that soy contains a chemical that mimics estrogen, which could increase the risk of breast cancer. Studies done on animals suggest that consumption of too much soy can alter sexual development. Many of these studies are still being heavily debated and have been refuted by the soy industry.
2)     Almond milk – Believe it or not, Silk also makes another type of milk: almond milk. Almonds are a part of a healthy diet because they’re high in protein and fiber, are cholesterol-free, and are low in saturated fat. A glass of almond milk contains only sixty calories, and, like soymilk, it is free of lactose and dairy.  One side effect is that drinking too much almond milk can be harmful to your thyroid.Â
3)     Raw milk – Raw milk is taken (ideally) straight from the animal, who has only been fed organic grass.  The milk is rapidly cooled and bottled.  Basically, this is milk that is not pasteurized before being consumed. This milk shouldn’t make you sick though, if it is prepared correctly.  This milk boasts better taste and better health. That being said, a Collegiette™ (and anyone else!) should be extremely careful when purchasing raw milk.  Make sure it is coming from a safe source before drinking it.
4)     Hemp milk – I have to admit, I had never even heard of this stuff before starting this article.  My mind immediately jumped to the most obvious conclusion… is that even legal?  Apparently yes, as long as the hemp seeds are grown abroad.  And the nutrition benefits are numerous. It’s high in magnesium, potassium, fiber, and contains all 10 essential amino acids.  Tempt, a company that sells hemp milk and other hemp-based dairy products, also praises hemp for its sustainability because its growth does not deplete soil or require pesticides.
So, what did I learn from this little research experiment?  The milk market is certainly expanding, and for every new milk product that hits grocery stores, there seems to be a new list of pros and cons. Two pieces of advice, dear Collegiette™. First, everything in moderation.  There is no miracle milk that will cure all your health problems.  Second, if you have any questions, ask your doctor!  The Internet is full of information, but don’t neglect a more reliable resource! Doctors can always be counted on to help you put together your diet and warn you of any potential health risks of trying a new product.
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Sources:
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/soy.htm
http://silksoymilk.com/content/faq
http://www.sweetadditions.net/food-drinks/almond-milk-benefits-and-side-effects
http://silkpurealmond.com/?gclid=CKqqr8yJl6gCFQgQNAod-z_lCg#a=3;r=1
http://www.raw-milk-facts.com/Raw_Milk_FAQ.html
http://www.livingharvest.com/hemp-101/nutrition