Role of Milk

So many of our patients continually ask about the role of MILK as it relates to adults diet and in order to properly answer this important question the following facts are submitted for your consideration.

1. Milk is an excellent and relatively inexpensive source of protein, 5 vitamins, and other nutrients.
2. Only 30% of adults retain their ability to digest lactose (milk sugar) because as we grow older we produce less lactase, the digestive enzyme of lactose. Virtually all human infants depend on milk and can digest it because of the presence of abundant lactase.
3. Adults can and do benefit strongly from milk’s nutrients since most supermarkets carry special brands of lactase-treated milk, in which the milk sugar is predigested.
4. Children need the nutrients in milk and whole milk is recommended for children under 2, and low fat products after that age.
5. Raw milk being healthier is a myth since it can be contaminated to a far greater degree with bacteria Pasteurization is a necessity.
6. The new boxed non-refrigerator milks are safe and usually has a shelf life of about 6 months
7. There is no connection between milk and mucous formation and therefore one must not necessarily avoid drinking milk in cases of a cold.
8. 2% low-fat Milk is not really low in fat, but is really 20% fat by weight, while whole milk approximates 35%
9. The best way to consume milk and other dairy products but avoid the fat would be to drink skim or 1% milk or low fat buttermilk, low or non-fat yogurt. and low-fat cottage cheeses. Remember that few cheeses are low in fat.