Milk is often found at the top of many household grocery lists. It is part of our morning meal and is commonly given to our children. Yet, how much is really known about milk? Milk can be produced from many species, but it is most commonly produced for human consumption by cows, sheep, and goats. In 2010, the USDA increased the recommended servings of milk from two to three cups per day in their dietary guidelines. This is because milk is a prime source of three important nutrients: calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. However, not everyone agrees with this recommendation. According to Harvard's food pyramid, milk is not an essential part of a healthy diet and can actually pose risks. They have even labeled the recommendation of milk as a "step in the wrong direction" (10). One of the most well-known milk critics is Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and head of the nutrition department at the Harvard School of Public Health. The USDA's main argument is that drinking milk or equivalent dairy products will reduce the risk of fractures and increase bone mass. However, there is very little evidence that milk consumption is associated with reduced fractures. On the other hand, there is a great deal of data showing a higher risk of fatal prostate cancer associated with milk, as well as a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer associated with those who drink three or more servings of milk (see Fig.
In one study, dairy was removed from the diets of 48 individuals suffering from migraines or asthma, and 33 of them reported significant improvements in their condition (15). Many scientific studies have shown detrimental health effects directly linked to milk consumption. The most surprising connection is that, not only is calcium in cow’s milk barely absorbed, but it actually causes calcium loss in the bones. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body’s pH, which triggers a biological correction. Calcium is an excellent acid neutralizer, and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is in the bones.
Lactose intolerance (LI) is the inability of some humans to digest the lactose sugar contained in most dairy products and foods made with dairy products. LI has numerous readily apparent physical symptoms such as gas, cramps and diarrhea (Houts 110). More importantly, LI may lead to malnutrition in those people affected because of the loss of milk's important nutrients. Not everyone is affected by LI. In fact, genetic background rather than any other health or cultural factor seems to best predict LI. The inability of humans to digest lactose has enormous health consequences, particularly among the poor populations of the U.S. and the developing third-world countries.
Raw milk has been proven to be more nutritious than pasteurized milk. When milk is pasteurized, it is heated to kill off pathogens. It also takes away some of the vitamins and minerals. Raw milk from cattle has eight essential amino acids. About 80% of those are easy for our digestive systems to break down (“Health Benefits of Raw Milk). When milk is pasteurized, it is heated to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen seconds. Isabel Maples states that some people believe raw milk is an antibacterial. It contains lactoferrin which contains iron. Raw milk contains Vitamin A, which is fat soluble. It is removed when fat content is lowered during pasteurization. All milk is fortified with Vitamin D. She also states that pasteurization causes a loss of Vitamin K. It is necessary for blood clotting and also helps with bone strength. “Pasteurization means a loss of half the Vitamin C in milk and 38-60% of other water soluble vitamins (Maples).”
This article goes into depth on the different components that make up breast milk’s nutrient content. The article also goes over the different types of milks that a mother produces when feeding her infant. It also brings up that every mother’s milk is different because breast milk will change itself based on an infant’s nutritional needs. Both authors work at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research for Human Milk and Lactation which means both authors have a strong knowledge about breast milk. All sources they
Procreation is basic to life and reality. Originally, mothers never had a choice of whether to breastfeed their infants or not. Mothers breastfed their infants. This gave moms the ability to care for and sustain their infants whenever nursing was needed. Advantages of breastfeeding are for the children, mothers, and the economy. Cultures differ from place to place because we live in a very diverse world. Indeed, a few cons to breastfeeding are generally sincere beliefs. One con about nursing in broad daylight is nursing can cause other individuals in the surrounding area to feel uncomfortable. Some think a woman showing cleavage during a nursing session can conjure up the same thoughts as a woman in a seductive outfit, while several assorted
Since the beginning of time, people have been drinking milk. Even today you will find a gallon of milk in almost every refrigerator in America. Milk is, and has always been, a staple of our diet. Because it contains essential proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins, milk is considered one of nature's perfect foods. Unfortunately, throughout the last century milk has been subjected to many forms of modern processing practices, which deprive milk from many of its natural qualities and benefits. Therefore many essential vitamins and enzymes are lost. Processing milk has altered one of nature’s perfect foods and changed it into something nature did not intend. Because of the abundant health benefits in raw milk, this report will explain why it should be made legal for consumers to buy throughout the United States.
A selective advantage of not producing lactase as an adult is simply saving energy for the body to use elsewhere. Young children need dairy products which contain lactose because it helps their bodies grow by providing healthy nutrients like fats, proteins, vitamins and it also helps make their bones stronger. As children grow older in to young adults their bodies are less inclined to need the large amount of nutrients the dairy products provide. Since the body no longer feels the lactose is a helpful source, the body slowly decreases the amount of lactase enzymes being produced. Typically a young adult can still comfortably have a glass of milk but the body progressively decreases the amount of lactase enzymes being produced. These lactase enzymes are what break down lactose and simple sugars. Once the body can no longer do this, a person will struggle digesting dairy products. This is a selective advantage because it helps the body save energy, instead of wasting it on producing these lactase enzymes. The body does not need lactose anymore so other...
Breastfeeding is the most protective, nutritional, and natural way to provide nourishment to infants. Human milk contains several nutrients including: vitamins, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and minerals. These nutrients are imperative for an infant’s developmental growth. Human milk also reduces the risk of developing morbidities, especially within premature infants. Premature infants, who are more prone to infection due their immune systems, benefit from human milk. Compared to artificial formulas, human milk provides antibodies and other beneficial nutrients to help with the development of the infant.
The idea of pasteurizing milk bagan in the 1920s, and later became an aspect of everyday life in the 1950s. Milk that has undergone this process is normally prefered since it is sterilized, therefore lowering the chance of human illness. However, it’s not the 1950s anymore, and the idea of pasteurizing milk has lost its luster for the people that now prefer raw milk. Unlike the milk that most Americans consume, raw milk has not been pasteurized, or quickly heated to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria. In raw milk, these bacterias haven’t been removed, leaving people at risk. E. Coli, salmonella, and listeria are only some of the bacteria that raw milk carries, all of which can cause sickness, or even death. Common affects of consuming raw milk are diarrhea, stomach cramping, and vomiting, but it's the rare ones: kidney failure,paralysis, and death that causes raw milk to be illegal in half of the states and illegal to carry over state lines in its final form. Nevertheless, people still actively seek out and consume raw milk because they believe its nutritional values to be greater. Controversies surround this topic on whether organic food
Breastfeeding is a highly debated topic amongst mothers across the world. Every mother has the choice to breastfeed or bottle fed their infant. Although everyone is entitled to their own opinion and choice, it is scientifically proven that breast milk is more beneficial for the infant’s health and development and the mother. Breast milk contains extremely beneficial vitamins and nutrients and also has the ability to change according to the infant’s growth and development. Formula companies try to mock breast milk to the best they can, although it cannot be completely composed the same. “Breastfeeding offers immunological and allergy protection to the infant, is economical and convenient as it is always fresh and the right temperature, and provides a great opportunity for the mother and infant to bond” (p. 1052, Potter & Perry, 2011). Research has proven that breast milk is the most
Congratulations! Now that you have passed the stage of pregnancy, you now face the big question on whether to breast feed or bottle feed your child. According to The World Health Organization it’s highly recommended that mothers breastfeed their child until the age of two. (Berk 100) Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong in bottle feeding your child with formula milk. There are cases in which mothers aren’t always able to breast feed their children right after birth, for example, they might have medical issues that may prevent them from breast feeding. Or in some cases early childbirth.
Milk Milk is an almost complete food. It consists of proteins (mainly casein), salts, fat and milk sugar, or lactose. It also contains vitamins A, C, D, certain B vitamins, and small amounts of others. Factors That May Affect The Reaction Ø The concentration of Rennin Ø
Is there any food on earth that can provide the PERFECT nutrition to a human? Yes, and it is breast milk. Breast milk is the perfect nutrition. This superior food contains hormones, live antibacterial and antiviral cells and essential fatty acids (What Makes Human Milk Special?, Mar-Apr 2006). All of which are helpful in protecting against any harm. Sicknesses in infants are lowered by the help that breast milk gives. Breastfed children are sick less often than children who aren’t breastfed (What Makes Human Milk Special?, Mar-Apr 2006). Breast milk contains all the nutrients that an infant needs as it continues to grow. When the child is brought into the world it has no way to fight off any d...
Those who are able to do so are proud to tell you how they are glad to not have to use formula. Yet, if you asked her if she would drink it herself, she would probably “no way!” Yet, this article expresses a lesser known and curious prospective.; it opens the door for the question, of: “Is human breast milk as an acceptable food for adults?” It (what?) features a well known New York ...
Calcium is a mineral found in many foods that the human body cannot produce itself (National Osteoporosis Foundation). According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation it is used in the regulation of heartbeat, stimulation of hormone secretions, conduction of nerve impulses, stimulation of blood clotting, and maintenance of a healthy skeleton. They also state that we lose calcium every day through shed skin, nails, hair, sweat, and other bodily functions. Bones are also constantly being “remodeled” by removal of older pieces of bone and replacement with new bone. These losses make a daily source of calcium invaluable. Calcium has traditionally been thought of in conjunction to milk, but this connection is slowly being broken.
Breast milk is made for the baby having just the right amount of protein, sugar, water, and fat that is needed for a baby’s growth and development. As breast milk is easier for newborn’s to digest than formal, it prevents intestinal upsets. Furthermore, breast milk includes substances such as immunoglobulin’s...