As a mom, keeping your family healthy can feel like a never-ending marathon. From dodging that stomach bug that’s floating around your kid’s classroom to leading by example with eating and exercise habits, we’re all doing our best to raise healthy, strong kids (and prioritize our own health, too!). That’s where brands like Organic Valley® steps in, making it easy for us to support our family’s health goals. With milk that’s antibiotic- and synthetic hormone-free, and sourced from pasture-raised, organic, non-GMO cows, Organic Valley® makes high-quality organic milk that not only helps to support immune systems through nutrition, but with their new Family First
line enriched with 50 mg DHA Omega 3, also supports brain health. Talk about a dairy aisle dream come true!
Related: Organic milk 101: A beginner’s guide
What is DHA Omega 3?
You’ve probably heard of DHA Omega 3 (it’s a common inclusion in many prenatals), but in case you’re still scratching your head, we’ve got you covered. DHA (which stands for docosahexaenoic acid) is a powerhouse nutrient—a type of Omega 3 fatty acid that is found naturally in fish, like tuna, salmon, herring and sardines. Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that our bodies can’t make on their own, so it’s important that we incorporate them into our diet. While this nutrient plays a vital role in supporting brain health, research from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that more than 90% of Americans are not getting enough. But it’s simple to support your family’s DHA Omega 3 intake with Organic Valley® Family First—an organic milk that has all the goodness and 12 essential nutrients of Organic Valley’s traditional pasture-raised milk, plus 50 mg of DHA Omega 3 in every serving.
Benefits of incorporating DHA Omega 3 into your family’s daily routine
When it comes to unlocking the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids, research has shown that these nutrients play a role in supporting brain health and cognitive performance at all stages of life.
“When we talk about brain health and cognitive function, certain Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA are essential,” says registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LDN, CLEC, CPT. “Incorporating sources of DHA Omega 3 into your family’s daily routine may provide benefits for brain health and overall cognitive performance.”
Simple ways to support brain health for the kids and adults in your family
Polishing up your daily recipes to provide quality nutrition for your entire family is easier than you think. Packed with 12 essential nutrients, including calcium, protein and vitamin D, Organic Valley® Family First milk is an easy way to add 50 mg of DHA Omega 3 goodness to your family’s diet. Ready for some tasty inspiration that’ll help keep you feeling sharp and offer immune system support? Here are a few fun ways to do just that while treating those little tastebuds to something delicious.
Boost your breakfast
Overnight oats
Step up your favorite overnight oats recipe by subbing in Organic Valley® Family First milk with DHA Omega 3 for water or regular milk. Top it off with a colorful array of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and golden honey for a breakfast that’s as tasty as it is convenient. Packed with essential nutrients, it’s a powerhouse meal that’ll have your squad revved up and ready to take on whatever the day throws their way.
Chia pudding
Your little sous chef will love helping to whip up this fun breakfast surprise. Mix Organic Valley® Family First milk with chia seeds, a dash of vanilla extract and a drizzle of maple syrup. Chill it in the fridge overnight and wake up to a delightful pudding packed with all the good stuff: fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, DHA Omega 3 and more. Just add your family’s favorite fruit on top, and you’ve got the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast that’ll fuel the whole fam for a day of conquering school, work, and play.
Iced coffee
Who doesn’t love a good, chilled cup of joe? Whether it’s by choice or just the reality of mornings with kids, cold coffee reigns supreme. With a handful of ice and a generous splash of Organic Valley® Family First milk, you can upgrade your morning routine, knowing that you’ve got a boost of essential nutrients and a tasty splash of DHA Omega 3 added into your cup.
Snacktime swaps
Peanut butter banana rice cakes
Here’s a snack time savior that’ll have your future self (the one who is trying to cook dinner while your kids declare that they’re “staaarving”) doing a happy dance. Whip up these simple, tasty treats that not only keep the kids satisfied but also sneak in some extra essential nutrients and DHA Omega 3. Spread peanut butter on a rice cake, add a drizzle of honey, and crown it with banana slices. Serve it with a cold glass of Organic Valley® Family First milk, and it’s the perfect snack to power through that after-school slump.
Yogurt dip with veggie sticks
Let’s give it up for dips—aka the veggie whisperers that make even the pickiest eaters scarf down raw veggies (and occasionally ask for seconds!). For a midday munch that’s as wholesome as it is refreshing, stir some Organic Valley® Family First enriched with 50 mg of Omega DHA 3 into your favorite Greek yogurt. Add a zesty squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of garlic powder, and a dash of dill. Serve it up with a rainbow of vegetables like baby corn, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. Even if your little one noshes solely on the sauce, you can rest easy knowing they’re getting a big dose of goodness in every bite.
Super smoothie
When in doubt—make a smoothie! Smoothies are the superhero sidekick for busy moms looking to make a snack that’ll have kids and adults cheering. Blend together Organic Valley® Family First milk, mixed berries, frozen banana slices, a handful of spinach and a sprinkle of chia seeds, and you’ve got a sneaky-delicious treat that’s full of essential nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats. These blended beauties are a surefire way to ensure that your family is getting nutrients that help maintain their healthy immune function plus an additional source of DHA Omega 3 that supports brain health, too.
Level up your lunch and dinner
Avocado pasta salad
Pasta salad is one versatile dish that’s ready to roll whenever hunger strikes—whether you’re at home or on the go. Step up your pasta salad game by making a creamy avocado dressing that’s not only delicious but also filled with healthy nutrients that support your family’s immune system and brain health. Simply blend ripe avocados with Organic Valley® Family First milk enriched with 50 mg DHA Omega 3, garlic, lemon juice and fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Toss that dreamy dressing with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and black olives, and chill before serving for a refreshing and nutritious pasta salad that the whole family will enjoy.
Tzatziki veggie wrap
While you may only be headed to Greece in your daydreams this summer, this Mediterranean-inspired meal will have your kids singing “Mama Mia!” To make these delicious veggie wraps, first whip up some tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with Organic Valley® Family First milk, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Spread that creamy goodness onto whole wheat tortillas, then load them up with sliced roasted veggies, feta cheese, and fresh greens. Roll those babies up and get ready for a healthy and flavor-packed feast.
Creamy ranch dressing
If there’s one dip to rule them all, it’s ranch. Whether you’re drizzling it on a salad, or your kid is dunking their chicken nuggets into it like it’s a swimming pool, ranch is the MVP of condiments in many households. But why settle for store-bought when you can whip up your own batch with a healthy twist? Simply whisk together Greek yogurt, Organic Valley® Family First milk, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, chives and onion powder. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving and you’ve got a dressing that’s so delicious it’ll disappear faster than you can say “just one more bite.”
Supporting your family’s health journey doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything (seriously, you’re doing amazing!). With Organic Valley® Family First and a few simple swaps or additions to your family’s favorite meals and snacks, you’ll be supporting immune and brain health kids and adults alike at the table. After all, it’s the little changes that can make the biggest splash.
Resources
DiNicolantonio, J. J., & O’Keefe, J. H. (2020). The Importance of Marine Omega-3s for Brain Development and the Prevention and Treatment of Behavior, Mood, and Other Brain Disorders. Nutrients, 12(8), 2333. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082333
Sala-Vila A, Tintle N, Westra J, Harris WS. (2023). Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Risk for Incident Dementia in the UK Biobank Study: A Closer Look. Nutrients. 15(23), 4896. doi: 10.3390/nu15234896