Does Milk Really Do a Body Good?

Humans have been consuming milk for thousands of years.  

Around the world, people drink milk from many different animals including cows, camels, goats, llamas, sheep and buffalo.

During the depression, my mother said, they survived on fresh goat’s milk.

Milk packs a nutritional punch, containing protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin D.

However, it also contains a very high amount of sodium.

 Read how salt and hypertension are related HERE! 

Most milk sold in the United States is PASTEURIZED, which means the microorganisms that cause salmonella and hepatitis, as well as spoilage, have been destroyed by heating, followed by a quick cooling.

Pasteurization eliminates the possibility of diseases and gives the product a longer shelf life.

Dairy Foods in the Food Pyramid

How dairy foods were established as an “essential” food in the pyramid, despite their high concentration of fat, saturated fat, and lactose is of some historical significance.

Since the early 20th century, nutritionist and dairy lobbyist have collaborated to promote the nutritional value of dairy foods, especially milk.

 Humans are the only mammals consuming milk after infancy. 

In 1943, the United States government issued the National Wartime Nutrition Guide. This was the first time milk was a separate category for the “7 basic food groups.”

During that time our country was experiencing a “nutrition deficiency,” which naturally precipitated the government recommendation of drinking the white product.

In 1958, the “Basic Four” food guide recommended it for everyone…

The National Dairy Council, established in 1915, had to be thrilled with these recommendations; however, by the 1960’s, federal dietary advice shifted from an “eat more” to “eat less” transition.

Concerns over American’s intake of fat, higher levels of obesity and a surge in chronic disease began to effect dietary goals.

The American Heart Association and the National Cancer Institution recommended reducing fat intake from 30% of your daily diet, to 10%, which would include lowering your dairy consumption.

The Dairy Council, “a non-profit organization founded by dairy farmers and funded through the national dairy checkoff program,” filed objections.

Recently, some scientists have raised doubts about whether milk, as well as other dairy products, actually confer special health benefits.

Concerns about lactose intolerance in children, as well as, if milk can help prevent osteoporosis have developed in recent years.

Some suggest allergenic proteins in dairy foods can cause more harm that good.

Current federal dietary recommendations include not only fat-free milk, but yogurt, soy milk, cheese, and plant based milk products, such as coconut, rice, almond and hemp milk as being great sources of calcium.

Does Milk Make Bones Stronger?

The World Health Organization conducted research which determined countries with lower calcium intake do not have higher rates of bone diseases.

However, their research concluded countries with higher calcium intake have higher rates of him fractures.

In the United States, high protein intake and lack of exercise can contribute to poor calcium status and bone health.

The WHO found the relationship of calcium, vitamin D and bone health is more obvious in older adults; however, in children the correlation between calcium and bone health is not obvious. {http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d}

Almost ALL pasteurized and homogenized (chemical action preventing the cream and milk from separating, then making the liquid smooth) milks are fortified with vitamins A and D.

Federal law requires that both, low-fat and nonfat product be fortified with 2,000 International Units (IU) of vitamin A per quart. Though vitamin D fortification is optional, 400 IU per quart is usually added.

My family drinks Lactaid 2%.

We have no tummy issues.

The milk does not leave you feeling bloated.

Food for thought?

In 1993, the FDA approved supplementing dairy cows with genetically produced hormone protein known as “bovine somatotropin,” or BST.

BST naturally occurs in cows; however, when bio-engineered and injected into cows, production increases by up to 25%.

Scientists assert that the composition of milk from BST-injected cows is not harmful to humans, however, opponents are not convinced.

No mandatory labeling is required for a BST supplemented product.

 BUYING MILK 

Always check the date on the carton to make sure what you are buying is the freshest available.

 STORING MILK 

Refrigerate as soon as possible.

Milk will absorb fridge odors, so close containers and cartons tightly.

Never allow it to set out, at room temperature for more than 30 minutes or more.