I read online that the nation’s largest milk producer, Dean Farms, is filing for bankruptcy protection. The mild brands we are familiar with from this manufacturer are Land O’ Lakes, Dairy Pure and Organic Valley. The reasons cited by the company for the bankruptcy filing is the marked decrease in mild consumption over the years.
Let’s turn the clock back to the 1960’s, when the obesity rate was less than 1/3 of what it is now. EVERYONE was drinking LOTS of whole milk and I bet there was not a baby boomer alive that was not indulged with a big bowl of Frosted Flakes, Sugar Pops or Fruit Loops doused in lots of whole milk for breakfast. Milk was a staple of our existence. Fast forward to the present time: 2%, milk, “organic” milk and lots of other “milks” are in the refrigerator section of the stores. People are obviously drinking much less whole milk
The nutritional content of 8 ounces of whole milk:
- Calories: 146
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Calcium: 28% of the RDA
- Vitamin D: 24% of the RDA
- Riboflavin (B2): 26% of the RDA
- Vitamin B12: 18% of the RDA
- Potassium: 10% of the RDA
- Phosphorus: 22% of the RDA
- Selenium: 13% of the RDA
There are actually some studies that show a weight control benefit of drinking whole milk. Conjugated linoleic acid found in whole milk has been shown to promote fat breakdown and less fat production. The Vitamin D and calcium contents of milk promote healthier bones.
So, is whole milk “bad” for us and if so, why has the obesity rate in America triple in prevalence when the consumption of milk has been falling? Lots of reasons for this can be delineated but the bottom line for milk: Not so “bad” for you at all.
