Milk has long been touted as a staple food for good health, with the popular slogan „Milk does a body good“ ingrained in our minds from a young age. However, recent studies and expert opinions are challenging the necessity of dairy in our diets. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, researchers and doctors are questioning whether we truly need dairy at all.
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and professor of medicine and nutrition at Tufts Medical School, believes that relying on dairy for certain nutrients may not be essential. He stated in an interview with CBS News that „We probably don’t need all the calcium and vitamin D from dairy. There’s other sources you can have, plant-based alternatives that have supplemented calcium or vitamin D that’s led to a moderation around recommending dairy specifically.“
While dairy has been traditionally associated with providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, Dr. Mozaffarian emphasizes that it is possible to obtain these nutrients from other sources. He suggests that you can omit dairy from your diet and still create a healthy eating plan. However, he also notes that there are unique benefits to consuming dairy products that should not be discounted.
According to Dr. Mozaffarian, there are specific health benefits associated with dairy consumption. For example, milk has been linked to a lower risk of high blood pressure and stroke, while cheese and yogurt are associated with a lower risk of diabetes. Additionally, all dairy products seem to contribute to greater muscle mass and less fat mass, factors that are not solely dependent on traditional nutrient content but may be related to other elements present in dairy.
The guidance on dairy consumption, which suggests eating three servings a day focusing on low-fat options, has been based on oversimplified theories around calcium and vitamin D. However, Dr. Mozaffarian believes that recent research is unveiling the broader health impacts of dairy beyond these specific nutrients. He highlights the benefits of fermentation in cheese and probiotics in yogurt, which can support gut health and reduce the risk of diabetes.
When considering how much dairy to include in your diet, Dr. Mozaffarian recommends having one serving of unsweetened yogurt and cheese daily if you choose to consume dairy. He suggests that the choice between low-fat or whole-fat dairy products may not significantly influence the health benefits and advises individuals to opt for whichever they prefer until more evidence is available.
In conclusion, while the debate over the necessity of dairy continues, it is essential to consider the individual health benefits and drawbacks of including dairy in your diet. Whether you choose to consume dairy or explore plant-based alternatives, the key is to prioritize a balanced and varied diet that meets your nutritional needs. Remember, the decision to include or exclude dairy should be based on your personal health goals and preferences.
