From the monthly archives:

October 2009

Do You Drink Milk Just for the Calcium?

milkI have met people who like drinking milk on a regular basis and those who think milk is no good for our bodies. Like many people, I always viewed milk as a great way to get your calicum. I'm always told by my doctor to make sure I'm getting about 1200 mg of calcium per day. You have probably been told the same thing, especially if you are a woman, because getting enough calcium is supposed to increase bone density and help prevent osteoporosis.

Some people view milk as the number one way to get calcium. However, I have also heard viewpoints such as cow's milk is meant for cows and not for humans. If you drink milk just for the calcium, it's important to know that there are many varieties of food that are excellent sources to include:

  • Sesame seeds (1 cup = 702 mg)
  • Flax seeds (1 cup = 416 mg)
  • Cabbage (1 cup = 380 mg)
  • Collard greens (1 cup = 266 mg)
  • Spinach (1 cup = 245 mg)
  • Orange (1 cup = 104 mg)
  • Kale (1 cup = 94 mg)
  • Broccoli (1 cup = 62 mg

Calcium Myths
It is a common misconception that milk is the best way to get enough calicum in our diets. It is also commonly known that getting in a lot of calcium will improve bone density. This may be true but I have read a great article (linked below) which talks about how improving bone density doesn't decrease the chances of having bone fractures.

Eating more leafy greens is probably a better way to get your calcium compared to drinking a lot milk as your main source.

What is your opinion on milk? Are you a big milk drinker or have you stopped drinking milk?

Source and further reading: Calcium Myths

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Have You Tried Kefir?

kefir-PlainLowfat_FullMy sister told me to try Lifeway Kefir and I finally purchased a bottle of plain to try it out. If you don't know what Kefir is, it is basically like yogurt but much more nutritious. It's known for having probiotics which help in digestion. For those of you who don't drink milk or eat yogurt because of lactose intolerance, kefir can be easily digested.

Drinking the plain by itself is not that tasty. I would recommend blending it with frozen fruit or mixing it with fruit as a snack. Lifeway Kefir comes in other flavors but check the labels as they are sweetened with sugar.

If you do eat yogurt or drink milk, I would say try this product out (at least the plain version.)

You can learn more about Lifeway Kefir here:

http://www.lifeway.net/

Have you tried kefir or do you avoid dairy all together?

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