Q&A about fat content of milk
Here’s a question about milk that recently came from a client.
Q: Just wondering if you can offer guidance on something? I have an 11 yr. old son who is healthy, has a good appetite for healthy and good foods. He really enjoys drinking milk and using it on cereal. I have my regular weekly order for organic milk and for quite a few years bought skim milk. I recently switched to 1% because I read dairy fat is beneficial. I also then read that dairy choices should be non fat. My son is carrying extra weight and I am conscious to bring the healthiest options into the house as part of our healthy lifestyle. I am confused by this contradiction in info and would appreciate your comments as to what percentage of dairy fat is best for adults and children.
A: So I can give you my opinion and why it makes sense to me, but I’m sure you’ll hear different things from different people.
So, our body understands foods when they are closest to their whole form. That is when they contain all the bits and pieces we need to break down and absorb that food. So technically, we need fat in milk to absorb the protein and minerals into our body. I suggest 1% or 2% for my clients. With skim milk, we can’t properly absorb the protein, so we don’t feel satisfied, and we have a tendency to eat more. The more fat, the more satisfying, and the longer it keeps our blood sugar levels constant before we need to eat again. Plus this is where we will find fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and D. A valid reason why people suggest no-fat dairy is because fat is where we or a food carry toxins and hormones. The toxins come from the food and get stored in our fat cells. But as you are drinking organic milk, the toxins will be quite low, the hormones will be happy, natural hormones (not scared cow hormones), that will cause less of an issue.
All that being said, milk is designed for cows to drink. Cows have four stomachs, and we have one, so a quite different digestive process. Also as much as milk is high in calcium, it is also high in phosphorus, which makes our bones weak.
If you are eating and drinking dairy, do so because you enjoy it and it doesn’t cause any issues digestively or otherwise. Other than that, it’s not required to be a healthy being. Eat greens and seeds to get your calcium. I do still eat some dairy, but aim more for goat cheese, and we have rice milk for cereal. Then if I want ice cream it’s not such a big deal!
Hope that answers your question!
Ange
