It's not "poison".
It's not always the "cause" of acne.
It's not a "food group".
Dairy is any food containing or made from milk. Milk is nature's perfect food in infancy. It is a very nutrient dense food designed perfectly for the optimal growth and development of the offspring of mammals. In fact, the nutrients it provides change based on stage of growth and development. Cow's milk is designed for the optimal growth of a calf. Goat's milk is designed for the optimal growth of a kid. Human milk is designed for the optimal growth of an infant.
Contrary to what conventional dietary guidelines suggest, we need not consume milk after weaning to live a long healthy life. In fact, in 75% of the world's population the gene that facilitates digestion and absorption of the natural sugar in milk (lactose) slowly begins to be switched off as one grows older. However, when consumed occasionally, and in small amounts earlier in the day, some forms of dairy can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, by many, throughout life.
As a base for foods derived from it, unadulterated whole milk from grass feeding mammals can be a very nutritious food. Nature packages it such that all nutrients are optimally absorbed. When naturally and properly cultured or fermented, active bacterial cultures and yeast predigest the proteins and lactose facilitating human consumption. The much revered Mediterranean Diet features moderate amounts of high quality dairy products.
But, when we strip it of the fat, colour it, fortify it with cheap vitamins and minerals, pasteurize (sterilize) it, homogenize (break down the fat so it won't float) it, denature it, not only is it more difficult to digest, but it can calcify the wrong tissue (arteries or joints, instead teeth and bones).
My recommendation:
If your ancestors drank and ate dairy foods throughout life, it is likely that you can tolerate them. If not, they may not serve you well. Regardless, for most adults less is more. Two slices of pizza loaded with cheese, or even a daily glass of conventional milk, may be too much. It's not sustainable. There are better ways to get calcium. Eat kale ;) In fact, the highest dairy consuming countries in the world have the highest rates of osteoporosis, arthritis, and heart disease. Hmmm!
If tolerant and enjoying moderate amounts of dairy, choose breeds that produce A2 type casein (Guernsey, Jersey, and Limousin). Buy organic; raw/unpasteurized; naturally cultured and fermented dairy products from grass eating mammals preferably. It's more expensive, but less will yield greater nourishment and pleasure - vitamin "p" - another critical non-food based nutrient.
Originally published August 11th, 2017
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