“Dairy Products and Scare Tactics”
A huge dietary controversy surrounds the benefits or harms of consuming dairy products. Some even argue that dairy products should not be consumed since it is not “natural” to do so and “humans are not calves.” They argue that not only are humans the only species that consumes milk as adults, but we are also the only species that drinks milk from other animals. Yet, in some parts of the world, dairy has been consumed for thousands of years, and research has shown that genes have altered in humans to accommodate dairy consumption. Evidence shows that we have genetically adapted to eat dairy and indicates that it may now be natural for us to eat and drink it. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food MyPlate guidelines, to get all the nutrients you need from your diet, healthy food and beverage choices should be made from all five food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. The dairy food group consists of all fluid milk products and many foods that are made from milk. The USDA recommends that food choices from the dairy group should retain their calcium content and be low-fat or fat-free. Fat in milk, yogurt, and cheese that is not low-fat or fat-free will count toward your limit of calories from saturated fats.
