More on calcium: the American Milk Myth
Today I came across this article by Dr. Charles R. Attwood entitled “The Great American Milk Myth”. It brings up some important issues for anyone concerned about calcium intake or osteoporosis. Here are some of the key points:
- Research has shown that cultures that have high levels of calcium intake from animal sources also have the highest osteoporosis rates.
- Diets high in protein have been shown to create calcium loss.
- Nutrition teaching aids in American schools were (are?) often provided by The National Dairy Council, a group that lobbies on behalf of the US dairy industry. Can we say bias, anyone?
If you’re still making your diet choices based on what you learned in grade school, now might be a good time to try to learn more. Not only has medical research come a long way in recent years, but that old information you received might not have been as reliable as it seemed at the time.
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POSTED IN: Becoming Vegetarian, Veg Health and Science
6 opinions for More on calcium: the American Milk Myth
Cindy
Jan 5, 2007 at 8:45 pm
This is something that we vegans have known for some time and the rest of world is just finding out about. The dairy industry has been lying to us for decades and they have paid a lot of people to be accomplises to their lie. It is disgusting. It is found that it is the actual animal fat that blocks the absorption of calcium (and many other vitamins and minerals).
celine
Jan 5, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Thanks for posting this. I totally agree with Cindy when she says that the dairy industry has been lying to us. I would add with the help of our governments probably, in the interest of the economy. Money talks. I think that the key is to question and verify everything we are told and not just be content with “ready-made” information.
Jul
Jan 6, 2007 at 11:30 am
It’s great to hear your support on this issue, Cindy and Celine. I think it’s really important for people to hear about it. Knowing that there are others out there who agree with this makes me feel less like a raving conspiracy theorist. :)
Kristen King
Jan 6, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Jul, you’re so not raving. ;] I do love dairy products and enjoy what health benefits they convey, but I also make a conscious effort to get as much calcium as possible from plant sources. I could never go vegan, but I love learning from those who have. There’s a lot of wisdom to be found in careful, deliberate dietary choices.
kk
Jul
Jan 7, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Not even a little raving? Guess I’m going to have to try harder next time. :)
Zandria
Jan 10, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Ha! If you’re a raving conspiracy theorist, I suspect there would be a lot more people in this world who would have to call themselves the same thing. :)
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