Episode Number
137
Episode Show Notes / Description
With milk consumption on the decline, many people are questioning its role in a healthy diet. This episode explores the facts behind the headlines.
Transcript
Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
Did you know Americans are drinking less milk than they did a decade ago? Many people are confused about whether dairy is healthy, necessary, or something to avoid. Today, we’re breaking down a few common myths and facts about milk in particular.
• Myth: Kids need lots of milk to be healthy and prevent bone fractures.
• Fact: Kids to not NEED milk to be healthy. Milk is high in calcium and often fortified with Vitamin D, which help children’s growing bones. If a child cannot drink milk or doesn’t enjoy drinking milk, there are other foods they can consume to get the nutrients they need. Many kids consume too much milk, which can then cause iron levels to drop. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your child’s milk intake if you are concerned either way.
• Myth: Whole milk is the healthiest milk.
• Fact: Whole milk contains the most amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, which is not the best for heart health. Whole milk is typically only recommended for 1-year olds or if a doctor or dietitian recommends it. The amount of Vitamin D and calcium is the same in all types of cow’s milk so opt for lower fat versions when possible.
This week, pay attention to the sources of calcium in your diet and try to reduce the amount of full fat dairy when possible.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by Rachel Mannen, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
• https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/white-lies-five-myths-debunked
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11858442/
• https://www.midwestdairy.com/resource/illinois-dairy-farms-infographic/
Did you know Americans are drinking less milk than they did a decade ago? Many people are confused about whether dairy is healthy, necessary, or something to avoid. Today, we’re breaking down a few common myths and facts about milk in particular.
• Myth: Kids need lots of milk to be healthy and prevent bone fractures.
• Fact: Kids to not NEED milk to be healthy. Milk is high in calcium and often fortified with Vitamin D, which help children’s growing bones. If a child cannot drink milk or doesn’t enjoy drinking milk, there are other foods they can consume to get the nutrients they need. Many kids consume too much milk, which can then cause iron levels to drop. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your child’s milk intake if you are concerned either way.
• Myth: Whole milk is the healthiest milk.
• Fact: Whole milk contains the most amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, which is not the best for heart health. Whole milk is typically only recommended for 1-year olds or if a doctor or dietitian recommends it. The amount of Vitamin D and calcium is the same in all types of cow’s milk so opt for lower fat versions when possible.
This week, pay attention to the sources of calcium in your diet and try to reduce the amount of full fat dairy when possible.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. The content for this episode was provided by Rachel Mannen, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
• https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/white-lies-five-myths-debunked
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11858442/
• https://www.midwestdairy.com/resource/illinois-dairy-farms-infographic/