Myths About Dairy - BUSTED

There’s so many  myths and mis-information circling online, it can be super difficult to separate fact from fiction. Dairy is one of my favourite food groups (because, who doesn’t love cheese) but unfortunately, it often get a bad rap. 

 Last week I gave my Instagram followers to opportunity to ask me any questions or uncertainties they may have about dairy and our health. I’ve popped them down below, hope it’s helpful for you all. 

How do Dairy Foods affect my gut health? 

Fermented foods have been found to have a positive effect on our gut health. One of the most commonly studied fermented dairy product is yoghurt. Recent studies have found that fermentation of lactose in the gut increases Bifidobacteria, a good bacteria (probiotic) that promotes gut health. Daily consumption of a probiotic yoghurt is also thought to decrease pathogens in the gut. Ultimately, this is a growing area of research, but there is little evidence supporting a negative association between gut health and dairy foods. 

Do all Dairy Foods contain lactose? 

Not necessarily, lactose free doesn’t have to mean dairy free. Hard cheeses and soft cheeses like brie, camembert and feta contain little to no lactose, many yoghurts contain good bacteria, which helps to digest lactose.

Is it better to choose Skim milk or Full Cream milk?

Milk is a great source of protein and has a low GI and this holds benefit for weight control. There is some research out there supporting the notion full cream dairy is better for you. Nutritionally speaking, when you compare skim products they all have a very similar amount of key nutrients. Skim milk is obviously lower in fat and since fat is high in kilojoules, this then reduces the kJ content. What you will find, however is that skim milk products often receive a health halo. Many fall into the trap of eating more which would overall still be higher intake and more kilojoules. The bottom line, full cream dairy is more energy dense, so watch you portion size and whilst low fat is lighter, it isn’t a green light to go crazy. So at the end of the day, pick which you prefer & what works for you.

Do Dairy Foods cause bloating?

Digestive problems like bloating, cramping, rumbling or erratic bowel habits can be caused by a range of factors including stress, medication,  food intolerances and a sedentary lifestyle. Some people with lactose intolerance have an adverse reaction to the lactose component in certain dairy foods. If you do experience digestive discomfort, it’s best to speak to a dietitian or health professional before excluding food groups from your diet. 

Is A2 milk better for me? 

Most milk contains a mixture of both A1 and A2 beta casein. Some cows only produce A2 beta casein and these cows are bred selectively to produce what is commonly known as ‘A2 milk’. Some studies have shown benefits of drinking A2 only milk, however at this stage the evidence that A2 milk is better for health thanregular milk containing a combination of A1 and A2 protein, is inconclusive.

Is Dairy healthy?

Milk, cheese and yoghurt contain more than 10 essential nutrients – including calcium, protein and vitamin A. These all help foster growth and development. Many women fail to meet their recommended calcium intake, eating dairy foods each day is a great way to meet your requirements. Some of the other proven health benefits of dairy foods include reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

So there you have it! Some of the most frequently asked questions right here for you. After more info? Sure thing - visit https://www.dairy.com.au/dairy-matters  

This blog article was produced in partnership with Dairy Australia.