Marilyn Duff, Contributor
THE RECENT publicity about the alleged dangers of drinking cow's milk has left many consumers confused. One lady is reported as saying, "If I'm not to pour milk on my son's cereal in the morning, what am I to use? My advice is to continue using cow's milk.
Cow's milk is still the most complete source of nutrition and is comparatively low in price. Add an orange to make up for milk's lack of vitamin C. This is what we learned years ago. It is still true today.
EXERCISE MODERATION
A few persons are allergic to, or have reduced tolerance for some foods, including milk products, peanuts, chocolate, and so on. This should not stop others from eating those foods. As with all foods, moderation should be exercised. A young active person can benefit from the higher fat content of whole milk, while older persons can choose to drink low-fat milk to reduce their fat intake while still benefiting from its complete protein and calcium. Far better to drink milk than soft drinks and boxed flavoured drinks with their excess sugar and little or no nutrient value.
There is no doubt that human breast milk is best for human babies and breastfeeding should be continued for as long as possible. Breastfeeding also benefits the mother by helping to reduce her weight.
Soy milk can be useful but its protein is incomplete, lacking the essential amino acid methionene, which may be added to some soy preparations or be supplied by other items in the diet, for example, diary or meat sources.
BENEFITS OF MILK
Persons who discourage the use of milk would be wise to consider the following:
Milk-based formulae are used throughout the world to effectively treat protein-energy malnutrition in both children and adults (including patients with HIV/AIDS).
Low-fat dairy products are used to supply calcium and magnesium in the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) combination diet for the effective dietary treatment of patients with high blood pressure.
Low-fat milk is included in diabetic diets to help in the regulation of blood glucose.
Whole milk, with a cereal such as oats and a fruit, supplies a quick and complete breakfast for schoolchildren.
Yoghurt is used in the regulation of intestinal microflora, especially in diarrhoea disorders.
In the Hindu vegetarian diet, yoghurt often supplies the only source of complete protein in the diets of low-income families.
Milk is an important source of protein, calories, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the diet of many growing children. Alternative beverages with the equivalent nutrition are more expensive and less readily available.
Marilyn Duff, Ph.D. Nutrition (University of the West Indies).
