The White Stuff
 
Most popular milks on the market, rated.

    Drinking milk used to be a simple part of everyday life. But now health fears, such as concerns that the white stuff may be fattening or could add to the risk of heart disease, have cast doubt on its overall benefits.
    As a result, consumption in Britain has dropped from 5½ million litres in 1989 to just under 5 million last year (2000). But Wendy Doyle, of the British Diabetic Association, remains convinced milk is a wonder food. She says: "Apart from the fact it is low in iron, milk is almost a 'perfect' food. And if you don't like drinking it, you can always use it in food such as white sauces or custard."
    Even when we do decide to pick up a pinta, we are often faced with a bewildering range of choices. Here, Sun Health's MARTHA ROBERTS takes a look at the different types of milk on offer, and the benefits they offer.

Calories and fat based on 100ml serving.
Prices are per pint.

CHANNEL ISLANDS MILK (Gold Top), (cals 81, fat 5.2g, 54p)
    Sometimes known as breakfast milk, it comes from fully traceable, pure-bred herds of Jersey and Guernsey bred cows. High in fat with a high cream content, at first glance this brand isn't the healthiest option. However, it does not contain a potentially-harmful protein called beta-cassien A1, which is found in other types and has been linked to heart disease in a recent study.
 
FULL FAT MILK (cals 64, fat 3.6, 34p)
    It wasn't so long ago that full fat milk was a feature on most UK breakfast tables. But compare the fat content with semi-skimmed and you will see it has more than twice as much saturated fat. Despite this, it is still the second most popular milk in Britain. It is packed with calsium to help prevent brittle bone disease osteoporosis, as well as vitamins, protein and minerals.
 
SEMI-SKIMMED MILK (cals 49, fat 1.7, 28p)
    The most popular type with shoppers, bought by 66 per cent of the population. It is low in fat – one glass contains 3.3g of fat compared to 13g in a chocolate bar.
    Research shows eating low-fat dairy products every day can actually LOWER your blood pressure and help your heart.
 
ORGANIC SEMI-SKIMMED (cals 49, fat 1.7g, 42p)
    This type has the same amount of fat and calories as non-organic versions. The difference is the dairy cattle used are raised without the use of artificial growth hormones, fertilisers, pesticides or genetic modification. It is believed that the body benefits by not having to process 'artificial' chemicals used in the growing process. And experts expect the organic market to keep growing.
 
CONDENSED MILK (cals 280, fat 0.2g, 71p)
    Made from cows' milk skimmed and preserved through concentration with refined sugar, this is ideal for making sweets and desserts. But although it is low in fat than any of the other types tested, it is full of calories. And be aware that while some versions may be skimmed or low-fat, they still have a high sugar content as well as artificial additives to help with colouring and flavouring.
 
GOATS' MILK (cals 61, fat 3.6g, 97p)
    This is rich in protein and vitamin A and is said to be easier to digest than cows' milk because it has finer globules. It is recommended for people with stomach and digestive problems and is believed to help asthma and eczema sufferers. Up to 50 per cent of infants with cows' milk protein intolerance also react badly to soya products. But 40 per cent can to;erate goats' milk.
 
COCONUT MILK (cals 160, fat 15.7g, 70p)
    This is very high in fat and calories but low in protein. The kernel of the ripened coconut is pressed to extract the greamy liquid known as coconut milk. It is most often used in South East Asian dishes as well as Pina Colada drinks, ice cream, cakes and biscuits.
 
SOYA MILK (cals 36, fat 2.1g, 73p)
    This in not actually a "milk", as it's made from soya beans. It does not naturally contain calcium as cows' milk, so products are fortified. Evidence suggests soya may reduce the risk of heart disease and hormone related conditions such as menopausal symptoms. It can also help lower cholesterol. Some studies suggest it has a role in cancer prevention because it contains powerful antioxidants.
 
RICE MILK (cals 49, fat 1g, 84p)
    Like soya milk this is 100 per cent non-dairy, low in fat and contains no lactose. That makes it perfect for vegans and people that have a problem with lactose intolerance.
    It is made from brown rice syrup, brown rice starch and filtered water. It can be used in cooking, though you should bear in mind that it tends to have a sweeter taste than cows' milk.
 
SKIMMED MILK (cals 35, fat 0.1g, 26p)
This is ideal for people on diets but is NOT recommended for the under-fives because it is too low in fat, calories and vitamins. It is much thinner than the whole milk, and you will still get the expected nutrients with only half the full fat calories. However, vitamin A is lost in skimmed milk, so try to get more from other sources such as eggs and carrots.
 
My Big Disappointment
    On reading the above article, I'm very disappointed they have made a serious omission of a favourite of mine, Evaporated Milk. I certainly don't know the calorie or fat content but know it's great on Christmas pud.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page