Dairy just isn't dairy anymore. While it was considered a quintessential source of nutrients, many individuals have changed their views on dairy. Slowly but surely, individuals are converting to a dairy-free lifestyle.
Does Dairy-Free And Lactose-Free Mean The Same Thing?
Dairy-free and lactose-free are separate domains, and never the twain shall meet. You may hear dairy-free and lactose-free used interchangeably, but dairy-free and lactose-free refer to two different things.
Lactose is a natural sugar that is in dairy products. Therefore, a lactose-free label tells the consumer that lactose was removed from the dairy product during the manufacturing process.
In contrast, a dairy-free label means a product contains no dairy.
Is It Healthy To Be Dairy-Free?
At the thought of hearing dairy-free, most of us think, how can I live without dairy? I've always been told that drinking milk gives you healthy bones and teeth. How can I obtain calcium?
Believe it or not, a dairy-free lifestyle is healthy. Yes, dairy has health benefits, and it is a part of a major food group. However, in the same way, meat is not an obligatory part of our diet; dairy is not a mandatory part of the human diet.
Several health benefits associated with dairy products can also be found in plant-based sources. For example, soy, beans, lentils, peas, specific nuts, and seeds are all great sources of calcium.
Benefits Of Going Dairy-Free
Whether you have made or considering making the switch to a dairy-free lifestyle for ethical, health, environmental, reasons a dairy-free lifestyle has benefits. In fact, there are probably more benefits associated with dairy products than you realize.
Acne
Everybody on the planet has experienced acne at one time or another during the course of their life. It is the skin's most common condition, which means there's no escaping. But did you know dairy may have an effect on acne?
One longitudinal Norwegian study evaluated acne in adolescents between the ages of 15-16 and again when they were in the 18-19 age range. This study found that higher consumption, including more than 2 glasses per day of full-fat dairy products, was correlated with moderate to severe acne.
Weight Loss
Removing dairy from your diet may stimulate weight loss. Even though milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products contain lactose, a natural sugar, dairy products may also contain added sugar. Added sugars are associated with several diseases.
Most studies assert that dairy products and dietary calcium may stimulate weight loss and keep you from gaining additional weight. However, one randomized trial review of dairy products or calcium supplementation in adults is incompatible with these findings. In two of these trials, older individuals who were placed into the group that was given dairy products gained more weight.
Additionally, an 8-week study evaluated women diagnosed with PCOS. They were given a low-starch, low-dairy diet. As a result, the women experienced weight loss, had improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased testosterone levels.
Most people are hesitant about going dairy-free. However, dairy-free is not as bad as it seems.
Ditching dairy does not mean you have to get rid of your favorite products. After all, in today's technologically advanced day and age, we can find dairy-free milk, cheese, cream cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and so much more.
Comments