Milk Myths

Research dispels many myths about milk.

Calcium is needed for the good development of bones and teeth. Adults need calcium to maintain their teeth and their bones in later life and to prevent a condition called osteoporosis.

Milk and milk products are an important part of every-one's diet. Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions about milk and milk products that should be corrected.

First, some people have the idea that only young children need milk. It's true that your need for milk begins when you are a baby but that need continues the rest of your life. What changes is the amount of milk you need. Three to four glasses of milk every day are recommended for growing children, while only two glasses every day are recommended for adults.

Food combining?

One of the more amusing myths about milk is the one that suggests that it's dangerous to serve milk and fish or milk and acid foods at the same meals. Just keep in mind that any two foods which can be eaten separately can be eaten together. What would we do without milk in oyster stew, creamed spinach, tomato soup, or sour cream on cucumbers?

Some people believe that anyone on a weight-reduction diet should not include milk in their meals. However, milk has such excellent nutrient value that a dieter would really do a disservice to himself or herself by not drinking milk. If you feel you need to reduce your intake of calories and you're thinking of not drinking milk, try drinking skim milk. It has considerably fewer calories than whole milk... but still has all the nutrients.

About that calcium…

Finally, there are those people who believe that the calcium you get in milk is not all that important... especially for adults, but it is. Calcium is needed for the good development of bones and teeth. Adults need calcium to maintain their teeth and their bones in later life and to prevent a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis develops when bones lose calcium making them brittle and easily broken.

For more information on milk myths contact your local county Extension office.