The dairy industry recently faced the sobering prospect of losing its government subsidies if Congress failed to work out a suitable financial plan by the end of 2012. Milk prices would have doubled, forcing many families to scrimp in order to provide milk for their kids. Luckily, eleventh hour political action saved the day, and the so-called "dairy cliff" was avoided. But the situation has prompted many people to question whether milk is such a critical part of our diets that the government has to subsidize it. Some are even arguing that dairy products are harmful and we should all avoid them.
In an opinion piece from The Montana Standard, Braden Sullivan decries dairy as unfit for human consumption. Sullivan states that milk raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. He claims it has no place in a healthy diet since it is laden with saturated fats, hormones, cholesterol and drugs.
Not all these statements are necessarily gospel truth. A review article in the International Journal of Epidemiology brings together some of the recent scientific research on dairy consumption. Milk can be a valuable part of our diets, the article's author concludes. There's good evidence that milk may help protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce bone loss in elderly people, reduce insulin resistant diabetes, and support body fat elimination during weight loss.
So whom do we believe? Is milk a miracle health drink, or a deadly poison? You'll find highly educated people leading the charge in both camps. I tend to agree with nutritionist Alan Aragon, who wrote a carefully researched article on MSNBC that suggested dairy consumption in our diets has far more advantages than risks. Aside from people with dairy allergy or intolerance, many of us could benefit from more low-fat dairy each day.
The bottom line: It's a personal choice. Parents who are nervous hearing about all the dangers of milk can do a little research and make a decision for themselves and their children. Sources like the Journal of the American College of Nutrition have many articles devoted to aspects of scientific research on dairy consumption.
We are milk drinkers in my house. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are some of our favorite go-to foods. It's rather reassuring to know that my even my pickiest toddlers will always happily eat a carton of yogurt or drink a tall glass of milk. Sometimes, that's the entire meal! But I don't sweat the toddler hunger strikes quite as much if my babies have some milk in their tummies, since I know they're at least getting some fat, protein, calcium, Vitamin D and other nutrients. Milk products are a yummy, concentrated source of nutrition. Honestly, I'd have to see a lot more rigorous scientific evidence condemning the value of dairy products before I cut them out of my family's diet.
Does your diet include dairy? Or do negative claims about milk make you nervous like this other mom? Share thoughts in the comments section below.
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