According to Choose My Plate, a daily dose of dairy can improve bone health, lower the risk of osteoporosis, and be a great source of Potassium, Calcium and vitamin D. Important note: These health benefits are based on a limited intake of milk, about 3 cups or less per day.

However, many published studies, such as one done by The Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine, have linked the ingestion of milk to chronic inflammation, higher cancer risk, triggering type 1 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It’s also been proven that milk doesn’t prevent osteoporosis. Lastly, over 75% of the human population can’t digest lactose reaction free.

So, why is dairy recommended? Because it has a very good PR team. Simply put, dairy is promoted for the sake of tradition, not health.

All purported health benefits of milk can actually be found in foods that contain Phytonutrients-those are nutrients that have been scientifically proven to provide health benefits. Foods like collards, soybeans, and kale all have much more calcium and vitamin D absorption than milk, with none of the adverse reactions.

So, do you dare to dairy?



Kristen Mason

Ace Certified Fitness Nutrition Consultant

The views and opinions expressed in this article are not to replace medical advice or the advice of a licensed Dietician.