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Busting the top 10 myths about milk products

By Cara Rosenbloom R

 

You may have heard some funny rumors about milk products. Here’s your chance to separate fact from fiction.
1. Lactose intolerance means no dairy – ever
Myth! Lactose intolerance only means that you have trouble digesting lactose. You can still eat milk products! Mozzarella and aged cheeses such as Cheddar or Swiss contain almost no lactose. You can also choose yogurt. It contains live bacteria that help break down lactose. If you can’t tolerate any lactose, you can still enjoy lactose-free milk or use lactase enzyme drops to help with digestion. 

2. Milk is loaded with artificial growth hormones and antibiotics. 
Myth! Unlike in some other countries, bovine growth hormones to increase milk production are not permitted for sale or use in Canada. A cow receiving antibiotics must be clearly identified. That cow’s milk is properly discarded for a mandatory withdrawal period until the medication has cleared the cow’s system.

3. Milk helps you sleep
Myth! Milk does contain tryptophan, which breaks down into sleep aid serotonin. However, there are not enough studies to show if milk has any real effect on sleep. Of course, enjoying warm milk before bed is a good way to work towards reaching the recommended two servings of milk products each day, and can be a comforting way to unwind. 

4. Milk products cause weight gain
Myth! Studies suggest that milk products may actually help prevent weight gain when consumed as part of a healthy diet. Researchers believe that this effect could be due to the calcium content of milk. In addition, the protein in milk can help curb your appetite, and when you feel full, you eat less.

5. Most Canadians drink enough milk
Myth! According to Canada’s Food Guide, “one serving” from the Milk and Alternatives group is one cup (250 mL) of milk, 3/4 cup (175 mL) of yogurt, or 1.5 oz (50 g) of cheese, and adults need two to three servings each day. However, up to two-thirds of Canadians fall short of this recommendation. On average, Canadians consume just 157 ml of milk, 15 ml of yogurt and 27 g of cheese each day.

6. Pasteurization destroys the vitamins and minerals in milk.
Myth! Pasteurized milk is a source of 16 essential nutrients including calcium and vitamin D. Pasteurization has little impact on the nutrients in milk; it is simply a type of heat treatment that destroys potentially harmful bacteria that can be found in milk. This process helps make milk safe for Canadians to drink. 

7. Milk causes kidney stones
Myth! Drinking enough liquid and getting the right amount of calcium in your diet are two important ways to prevent kidney stones. In fact, having at least two servings of high calcium foods per day, such as milk, can help reduce the rate at which kidney stones form.

8. Organic milk is more nutritious than non-organic milk.
Myth! Both types of milk are equally healthy choices since they have the same amounts of key nutrients, such as calcium, riboflavin and magnesium. Plus, neither contains hormones or antibiotics.

9. Milk causes mucus 
Myth! Milk’s velvety texture may thicken your saliva, which coats the throat and gives the perception of more mucus, but it doesn’t actually cause the body to produce more mucus or phlegm. Studies that compared cow’s milk with soy beverage (similar texture) showed no difference in mucus production or mouth-feel. 

10. Skim milk has less calcium than 2% milk
Myth! Whether skim, 1%, 2% or whole, all varieties of milk have the same amount of vitamins and minerals, including calcium. The difference between these types of milk is the amount of fat and calories that they contain. 

Sourced from: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/womens-health/acupuncture-pain-relief