Do you consume dairy products on a daily basis? Most of us in the U.S. have been taught to
do so despite the fact that many people don’t fare well with these foods. In fact, an estimated
30 to 50 million American adults are lactose intolerant, which means they have trouble
digesting lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. This intolerance appears to have a genetic
component. Populations most affected include Asians (95%), African Americans (60-80%),
American Indians (80-100%), and Hispanics (80%).
If you need to avoid lactose, you’ll find that many companies offer lactose-free options, including
milk, cottage cheese, and high-quality whey protein powder. Dairy alternatives are also
increasingly available, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream made from soy, almonds
or rice. Bear in mind, however, that many health professionals feel soy is best consumed in
moderation.
Assuming you eat dairy foods, what do you select? As with carbohydrates, some choices are
healthier than others. By now you know that butter, cream, whole milk, cream cheese and ice
cream are loaded with saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease, stroke and cancer. Even
low-fat dairy products are fat-laden. For example, when you buy 2% milk, you’re actually getting
37% fat!
So, what’s a health-conscious person to do? Fortunately, non-fat dairy products are available
in virtually all categories, including milk, yogurt, cottage cheese and more. A great choice as
a basic staple─and quite a versatile one─is plain, non-fat Greek yogurt, which is thick and
rich with minimal calories. Try it with fresh organic berries, in lieu of sour cream, or to dilute
sweetened yogurts if you offer them.
However, if you’re looking for easily digested, nutrient-packed, complete protein, your best bet
is a daily whey-protein shake. You’ll get 20-40 grams of highly nourishing, quickly assimilated
protein without the fat and lactose that comes with dairy products. These luscious recipes will
make a splash with adults and kids alike. Here’s to your health!
