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.

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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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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Sarah November 1, 2009 at 4:42 am

Just remember to pair a non-dairy source of calcium with something that contains vitamin D, like fatty fish or eggs. Calcium is best absorbed in the presence of Vitamin D.

Aaron December 6, 2009 at 6:08 pm

I would consider myself a big milk drinker, but not just for the calcium. Chocolate milk is still my favorite post workout snack.

Tiffany @ The Gracious Pantry January 10, 2010 at 10:05 am

If you take calcium supplements, I think it’s important to also mention the quality of calcium you are getting. Not all calcium supplements are created equal. You have to do your homework.

I do drink milk, but not for the calcium. I just love milk, although I’ve really slowed down on it in recent months. I used to go through a gallon a day!

I’ve heard a lot of arguments against milk. My main reason for slowing down is the quality of milk we get these days. If you think the FDA has your best interests at heart, think again. The milk that we get is full of yuckiness that most folks don’t know about, or want to think about. If you can get your milk raw, it’s a much better quality than the processed stuff you get at any store. There is some debate over raw milk as well, but if quality is your concern, go raw and organic. It’s the closest you can get to having your own cow.

Heather February 12, 2010 at 4:12 pm

I stopped consuming dairy products after reading The China Study. I see a big difference in my energy level, clearer sinuses & no more bloating. I cut back on my meat intake as well. I’ve just been doing this for a week and hope it will clear up some minor skin problems as well. Eating a lot more fruits & veggies. Addicted to smoothies!

Jolie May 26, 2010 at 1:19 pm

I don’t drink milk because I don’t like the way it makes me feel, plus I seem to get chin acne from it. I get enough calcium from other sources, plus I’m not scared of the sun so I get my D also :)
I love almond milk, coconut milk and rice milk.

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