This year I made a resolution to get healthier and I actually stuck to it. It’s very clichéd to admit, I know, but it’s something that I’m quite proud of achieving.
A big part of this lifestyle change has been learning about nutrition and the effect that different foods have on my body. As a 24-year-old woman, you’d think that’s something I should have a good grip on – and generally I do, but there’s one area of nutrition that’s left me completely stumped: Dairy.
There’s no doubt it’s delicious, but what does it actually do? Is it good or bad for me? Is it a food I should avoid if I’m trying to be healthy, or is it actually a healthy food option?
I took the question to the Mamamia office, and it seems that most women out here are in the same boat: we are just plain confused.
Here are four of the burning questions and queries we have about dairy, and I’ve made it my personal mission to get to the bottom of this milk-fuelled fiasco.
1. Is dairy really good for health?
It’s a very big and simple, yes. Most people know dairy based-foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are fantastic sources of calcium – in fact, very few other foods in the Australian diet contain as much of this important nutrient. They are also a good source of other key nutrients including protein, iodine, riboflavin and vitamin B12. Dairy foods have long been known for their bone health benefits, but research has shown that they play a role in preventing heart disease and strokes, reduce our risk of high blood pressure and some cancers and may reduce our risk of type 2 diabetes.
Top Comments
I'm 74, always considered myself extremely health-conscious - ie, lots of dairy, fruit & veg, chicken , fish, lean meat, etc.
Somewhere around my fifties I began to suffer painful arthritis, and was diagnosed with osteoporosis, and told to eat more dairy - which I did! Sadly!
The osteoporosis became increasingly worse, to the extent that I was suffering compression fractures in the spine, in spite of my increasing dairy intake.
After a few years, I became more conscious and aware of the cruelty inherent in the farmed animal industries, and decided I could no longer be a a part of it. My doctor, of course, was so disapproving and disparaging, that I changed doctors, but continued with the medication for osteoporosis. After a few years, when I went for a repeat prescription, I was sent for another bone scan - which my (present) doctor was astounded to tell me showed that I DON'T HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS! She told me I have the bones of a 20 year-old, and to continue doing exactly what I was doing......
I also no longer suffer from arthritis.
Dairy is obviously not essential for calcium, in fact, the more I consumed, the worse my osteoporosis became. Cutting out dairy was the best thing I ever did - even though I didn't do it for the health benefits, they were an unexpected but extremely welcome outcome.
Cattycorner - thankyou so much for sharing :)
So glad you have had such a positive outcome xx
Me too - very much so!!
And still pinching myself.......:)