You have probably seen it everywhere in the ads; milk builds strong bones and does the body good. Who isn’t familiar with the “Got Milk?” slogan and the endless list of celebrities who appear on billboards with the milk mustache?
The dairy industry has spent a fortune convincing consumers of the health benefits of milk. However, is milk really good for you, or is it all a ploy by dairy manufacturers to get you to buy and consume cow juice? A newly released documentary “Got the Facts on Milk?” exposes the claims by the dairy industry as deceptive and misleading. The truth is that milk and other dairy products that have been pasteurized can increase the risk of chronic disease and bone depletion.
Pasteurized milk – typically the kind seen in just about every grocery store – is depleted of its organic nutrients. During the pasteurization process, the milk is heated at a very high temperature and then cooled down immediately. While this process is beneficial for killing bacteria, it also strips the milk of its vitamins and minerals. As for the calcium content, it becomes acidic and actually has the opposite effect. Instead of being good for your bones, it actually leeches vital nutrients from it.
Now before you decide to forgo all dairy products, it is important to note that milk in its natural state is actually good for you. Raw milk contains the right balance of alkalizing and acidifying minerals, which helps preserve bone mass and density.
Milk and everything made from it, such as cheese and yogurt, can be healthy or not. It depends on the kind you buy. The ones you see in a typical grocery store tend to be the latter. The good news is that if you love dairy products, then you can continue to enjoy them. You just have to be a little more selective about where you buy them. Try shopping for dairy at an organic food shop or farmer’s market. While organic dairy may be pricier, the health benefits are far superior.