Whole, raw, almond, soy, skim … Oh my!
Some people drink milk every day. Some people do everything to avoid it in their diets. Some pay extra money for soy milk in their already expensive lattes. Some search high and low for raw milk that comes from a clean, local dairy farm.
So, do we need milk in our diet? If so, which is best? My answer. Ugh, I really don’t know.
Most experts agree that cow’s milk is loaded with nutrients. The issue, in my opinion, is getting this “perfect food” to the consumer without destroying all the good it has to offer.
So, most of the milk we consume here in the U.S. is pastuerized. Pasteurization is basically heating up the milk to kill all bacteria and make the food sterile. Pro: Bad germs are killed. Con: Good bacteria and enzymes that help with the digestion of milk are also killed.
Many people have a really hard time digesting pasteurized dairy. Too much milk, cheese and cream can lead to bloating, stomachaches, and mucus in the throat. Does raw milk do this? Most people that I have talked to who drink raw milk say they don’t experience this, but do with pasteurized dairy. I have never tried it but I have my first half-gallon in the fridge as I write this column. We will see!
If I do have cow’s milk, I go for whole milk instead of skim. Whole milk is a whole food. Skim milk is not. The cream contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K – important, among other things, for strengthening immunity to infections, neutralizing the effects of damaging free radicals and keeping bones healthy. Even better, I may buy local milk from a local dairy farm.
I try to limit my intake of soy milk. Soybeans and soy products contain high levels of phytic acid, which inhibits assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc. Soy needs to be properly prepared before consumed. Almond milk and coconut milk? Well, they are still processed foods but I may pick these over skim, pasteurized cow’s milk.
Marion Nestle, food expert (and one of my teachers from nutrition school) says, “Milk is a fine food, loaded with nutrients, but it’s neither a poison nor a panacea.”
It’s all about quality and quantity, my friends.
Betsy J. Moore is a wellness coach. Visit her website at http://www.bmoorehealthy.com or contact her at betsyjmoore@gmail.com.