Growing up we were always told “Drink your milk for healthy and strong bones”. I know that STILL happens, especially when I take my kids for their doctor check-ups. The doc always ask “Have the kids been getting their milk?”
Milk contains several important nutrients; such as calcium, protein, iodine, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins B2 and B12.
However with that being said, there are many people who are either Lactose Intolerant, meaning their body does not digest the main ingredient milk contains…Lactose. People can suffer from stomach pains, excess flatulence, irregular bowel movements. Others may have a milk allergy causing an reaction after drinking dairy products.
The degree of symptoms that lactose intolerant people have can vary. Some have been able to enjoy dairy as long as they are fermented, such as yogurt or cheese, because the fermentation process consumes the sugar that the body can not process.
Just to add a little more education to the dairy consumption I wanted to share some information from an article regarding milk that can shed light on whether or not drinking milk is for you. If not, I am going to share, from another article, the dairy alternatives!
Article written by Milk Processors Education Program, it was stated ” “Hormones are simply chemical messengers — and often proteins — produced naturally in both animal and plant foods– from celery to salmon. Because of this, there are no “hormone-free” foods, including milk.”
THE TRUTH ABOUT ARTIFICIAL GROWTH HORMONES
WHAT IS RBST OR RBGH?
Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), sometimes referred to as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring protein that helps cows produce milk. First approved for use in 1993, some dairy farmers may give their cows rBST or rBGH to help boost their herds’ milk production. But if you’re concerned with the use of supplemental growth hormones used to improve milk production, there are many options to purchase milk from cows that have not been treated with growth hormones. In fact, the majority of milk sold in stores is rBST-free.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MILK PRODUCED FROM COWS TREATED WITH RBST AND COWS NOT TREATED WITH RBST?
The FDA and other leading health organizations have concluded that there is no significant difference between the milk from cows that are treated with the supplemental hormone rBGH and rBGH-free milk. Comprehensive research into milk safety has shown that there is no reason to be concerned about drinking milk from rBGH-treated cows.
AREN’T HORMONES ADDED TO MILK?
No. Hormones are never added to milk. Milk is one of the simplest foods you can buy – nothing added except for vitamins A and D.
DOES ORGANIC MILK HAVE HORMONES?
WHAT ABOUT ORGANIC MILK? DOES ORGANIC MILK CONTAIN ARTIFICIAL HORMONES?
There are NEVER any hormones added to milk – whether conventional or organic – but if you’re concerned about the use of growth hormones in cows, USDA organic milk standards prohibit organic dairy farmers from treating the cows with any growth hormones.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HORMONES IN MILK
Expert Answers to “What About the Hormones in Milk?”
Hear from an expert on hormones in milk.
FDA Report: Review of the Safety of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin
A comprehensive FDA analysis on the safety of rBGH
Milk Truth: The Facts About Organic Milk
Read more about USDA standards for organic milk.
From the Healthy New Albany Article written by Mallory Arnold, it shares plant-based alternatives for people who are:
- Lactose Intolerant
- Allergic
- Just not comfortable with drinking milk
The alternatives are as follows:
- Soy Milk– Protein 6-8g- 90-130 calories- 4 g of fat, 45% DV calcium and 6-11g sugar
- Almond Milk– Protein 1g- 30-120 calories- 3g fat- 45% calcium and 0-11g sugar
- Coconut Milk– Protein 1g- 50-100 calories- 4.5g fat- 10% DV calcium and 1-10g sugar
- Hemp Milk– Protein 1-8g- 80-150 calories- 6-8g fat- 30-50% DV calcium- 6-14g sugar
- Flax Milk– Protein 0g- 50 calories- 2.5g fat- 30% DV calcium- 7g sugar
With either of the alternatives listed above, they can be used in a variety of ways! mix your choice of alternative milk in your oatmeal, smoothie, and/or coffee.
Overall, the important matter is that whether young or old, when it comes to dairy, you have alternatives to able to provide the nutrients your body needs!