Why leave daisy alone? 


Many are beginning to ask the question: Are we ‘designed’ to have dairy? Imagine you are living in prehistoric times, running around in a loincloth (yes, it can be Armani if you want).

Are you going to waltz up to a cow that was probably the size of a two-car garage and attempt to relieve her of her milk burden? Daisy’s milk was for her offspring – not you. So if you did attempt such an act, I doubt it would be repeated due to trauma from the conflict.

Other reasons include the following:

• High Saturated Fat Content: 

  Many dairy products are high in saturated fats, and a high saturated fat intake is a risk factor for heart disease. 


• Allergies: 

  Many people consider lactose is the only component in dairy that can create allergies but there are many more. Allergic reactions in some cases can remain unseen for years and can result in an overactive immune system which is known to be the precursor to autoimmune disease.

• Possible Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer:
  
Studies have found that women with high intakes of lactose—equivalent to that found in 3 cups of milk per day—had a modestly higher risk of ovarian cancer
.

• Probable Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer: 

  In a Harvard study of male health professionals, men who drank two or more glasses of milk a day were almost twice as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer as those who didn't drink milk at all.

Although more research is needed, we can’t be confident that high milk or calcium intake is safe. Reference: Harvard School of Public Health

Where do we find other sources of calcium? 


Take a load off while I list them.

Almonds, parsley, dandelion greens, watercress, beetroot leaves, buckwheat, sesame seeds, broccoli, walnuts, spinach, pecans, green beans, globe artichokes, cabbage…mmmm…sprouts, celery, whole grain rice, carrots, barley, sweet potatoes, brown rice, garlic, squash, onions, lemon, oranges, cherries, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, bananas, asparagus, green peas, lentils, cauliflower, tomatoes, eggplant, chicken, turkey…

Pretty much throw a dart and you are likely to hit calcium (not a Daisy, remember).

What is so fancy about calcium anyway? 


It has a lot to do with bone strength and density, teeth, the ability for muscles to contract including heart muscle regulation and nerve transmission. In a nutshell, without calcium our bones turn to sand, our hearts stop beating and we are likely to be a little edgy. Not my version of Christmas.

In future… 


…give Daisy a breather and try some of the alternatives to get your calcium dose. For more information about calcium check out our previous newsletter ‘The little vitamin that could’ on Vitamin D, or talk to your Evolve Natural Medicine practitioner.