Cow's Milk-Not our only option

Since we were kids, we have been bombarded with advertisements telling us that cow's milk is a necessary part of life, as it provides us with our daily calcium requirements. Who does this message benefit? Certainly not the consumers. We have had this message drilled into our heads to benefit the dairy farmers, because the fact of the matter is that processed cow's milk is not the best and/or only source of calcium and there is no good reason to believe that a human should ever even consume another animals milk, let alone that from a cow.

Cow's milk, at least what we purchase at the grocery store, is a highly processed product. By the time it reaches the store, especially skim milk, it no longer contains enzymes, which aid in its digestion, and it contains only a small amount of calcium. So for those who do not contain the enzyme lactase in their body, they are deemed "lactose intolerant" and for those thinking they are consuming a great source of calcium...well, they are simply being mislead.

Each mammal that produces milk, produces it specifically for their spawn and in exactly the correct ratios for what the baby/calf/etc requires. For example, when you feed an infant cow's milk, you are giving them fat, protein and carbs in incorrect proportion to their needs. A cow is significantly larger than a human and therefore it makes complete sense that a calf would have very different requirements than a human infant.

One mammals milk structure that is closer to that of a human is the goat. Goat's milk does not require homogenization and therefore holds onto its enzymes, making it easier to digest. This said, animal milk is not the only option out there. Other great replacement beverages are almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, hemp milk and many others. Some soy beverages may be ok as well, but read the labelling carefully to ensure that the soy has not been genetically modified and avoid soy all together if you have issues with your thyroid, as soy inhibits thyroid function.

Some alternative sources of calcium include kale, bok choy, collard greens, salmon or sardines (bone-in), sesame seeds (tahini),white beans, almonds, walnuts and blackstrap molasses.

Just because we have been told something, or believed something, our whole lives doesn't make it right, but it is up to you to decide what is right for you.