By Jill Sharfman for COLlive.com
Walk into just about any coffee shop and you will be inundated with regular milk alternatives: almond, soy, oat, or even goat milk are among some of the most popular options. As we begin to discover more about our digestive systems and how our bodies react to different foods, we are adjusting our diets to meet our needs. And the food industry is adjusting with us – ergo the coffee shop barista juggling five different kinds of milk! And while we applaud this level of body awareness, we rarely recommend cutting out entire food groups unless you have a real aversion.
As Shavuos gets closer and we begin to bookmark recipes for everything from cheesecake to blintzes to quiche, we think it’s time to debunk the myths around dairy consumption and set the record straight once and for all.
While dairy (and cow milk specifically) has been expertly marketed to promote an increase in bone health, there are many recent studies that prove otherwise. In fact, certain studies showed that increased consumption of milk actually had the opposite effect as it is an acidifying animal protein. Those who consumed the most calcium in each study were often found to be more at risk for bone fractures. So, if you have your bone health in mind as you pour regular milk into your smoothie, you may want to rethink your motivations.
Not only that, but with studies showing that 60% of people are lactose intolerant, meaning that the body is unable to digest the sugar typically found in milk products, it might make sense to reexamine your diet and see if dairy is adversely affecting your health. If dairy is having negative effects on your body and your digestion, it may be worth cutting it out.
And if you do have a hard time digesting dairy, you can opt for dairy products that are low in lactose. Kefir, hard cheeses, or Greek yogurt are all great low-lactose options. Even if your body struggles to digest high-lactose foods, cutting out dairy completely may not be the answer for you! Low lactose alternatives may be enough to make all the difference.
At the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that moderate dairy consumption is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. So, if you aren’t averse, we wouldn’t necessarily suggest omitting it from your diet as it can provide you with a lot of added benefits. Especially with a holiday like Shavuos coming up, this is not the time to unnecessarily cut out dairy! Instead, determine if you require low- lactose options or if your body can handle high-lactose dairy products. Adjust your Yom Tov menu accordingly and enjoy the holiday!
If you are looking for a summery dairy dish that contains less lactose, here’s one to consider:
Arugula, Watermelon and Feta Salad by Ina Garten
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup minced shallots (1 large)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup good olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups baby arugula, washed and spun dry
- 1/8th seedless watermelon, rind removed, and cut in 1-inch cubes
- 12 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch diced
- 1 cup (4 ounces) whole fresh mint leaves, julienned
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the orange and lemon juices, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the olive oil slowly, stirring constantly. Keep covered in the refrigerator if not using within the hour.
2. Toss the arugula, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing to coat the greens lightly. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Jill Sharfman NC, is the co-host of the nutrition podcast “Let My People Eat.” On each episode she helps to demystify confusing talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping kosher. She is a board-certified holistic nutritionist living with her family in Los Angeles. The podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePlay and at https://letmypeopleeat.com. Follow her on Instagram @jill_sharfman for more information.
Many adults no longer have the enzymes to process dairy.
sad but true!
As I get older dairy affects me more. I think this year I will go for some of those low lactose options. That salad sounds like a wonderful start. I also checked out that Podcast letmypeopleeat.com It has a ton of great information.
Thanks so much! Please let me know what you think of the podcast once you have a chance to listen 🙂
?These articles are dangerous and misleading. All food in moderation is good for you. This article can contribute to people avoiding milk which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Every few years another car comes along and people jump on it. I drank 3 cups of milk as a child and still try to balance my diet with dairy products I am 71 and weigh what I did at 19. Exercise regularly. I fell last year and the only thing that kept me from breaking my back was my strength.
I am so sorry you had a fall and wish you a refuah shelamah! As a holistic nutritionist I never ask people to cut out entire food groups unless they show a need to do so. More and more research is indicating that the best way to grow strong bones is not necessarily through excessive dairy consumption. I hope you try the salad which does include cheese! Have a beautiful yom tov!
How does eating salad by itself help “grow strong bones”? At 71 I doubt anyone’s “growing” strong bones. Struggling to maintain bone density, perhaps, but surely not growing ones that are weak with age. And why do you assume the poster doesn’t already “try” salad?
As a child I loved and consumed so much dairy but have become less tolerable in recent years. I’ve come to realize that eating low lactose options as you suggest is really the way to go! Can’t wait to serve your delicious salad over Yom Tov!
It is all about listening to your body and knowing what works and what doesn’t work! I hope you had a beautiful holiday with all of your family and had plenty of good food 😉
Thanks Jill for bringing this to my attention. I will start paying more attention to my gut reaction from dairy products high in lactose. Have a good Yom Tov!
Love a SW fan 😉 lol!
You are so welcome! I hope you and your family had a beautiful Yom Tov! Always glad to hear from a fellow SW fan 🙂
Hello from South Africa I believe that part of the problem is the consumption of the dead white liquid that is sold in the shops. Raw dairy from grass fed animals does not cause problems in by far the most cases. Another part of the problem is the high percentage of processed/refined foods that many eat. Dairy is given the blame while all kinds of unhealthy foods, causing most of the problems, go Scott free! Also look at common sense and history- many traditional cultures have used dairy as an important part of their diet and dertainly benefited from it!… Read more »
Hi! I totally agree with you! I am always telling people to eat the whole egg (not just the whites) and don’t go for the milk that has had the fat removed. G-d created these foods perfectly as they are from those animals and we should not be messing with them.