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They have also been accused of manipulating and abusing the organic labeling criteria, misrepresenting their product and misleading health-conscious consumers into buying it. Although the milk from the Horizon farms may not be the best possible quality, it is still better than the milk produced at conventional dairy factories, with thousands of cows pumped up with antibiotics and confined in small spaces. Organic milk costs up to twice as much as regular milk, but I contend that it is worth it. Just make sure you are educated about its source. Contrary to popular belief, dairy does not prevent osteoporosis or bone fracture by boosting calcium intake. In fact, numerous studies have demonstrated that countries with the highest intake of dairy, such as the United States, Sweden and Holland, have the highest incidence of osteoporosis and fractures, while countries with the lowest dairy intake, such as Japan and South Africa, have the lowest rates of osteoporosis and fractures.7 Harvard Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landmark Nursesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Health Study followed 78,000 women during a 12-year period and found that those who consumed the most dairy broke more bones than those who rarely consumed dairy. Healthy bones need calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, boron, copper, manganese, zinc and many vitamins. An excess of calcium without these other vitamins and minerals can actually increase the likelihood of fracture. Vegetable foods high in calcium, such as collards, bok choy and sea vegetables, also contain an abundance of magnesium and other minerals. Eating a good amount of green vegetables, whole grains and sea vegetables can provide all the essential calcium needed for the human body, without the added negative side effects of dairy. For some people, dairy is an emotional issue. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a food that provokes a lot of feelings and attachment, possibly stemming from early memories of breast-feeding. When I point out the hazards of high dairy consumption at school, many students adamantly refuse to give it up. If you have an emotional response to the idea of reducing or eliminating dairy, it may be helpful to examine the source of these emotions. Perhaps dairy is providing you with nourishment outside of the protein, fat and minerals, nourishment that is not about secondary food nutrition. If so, try to think of other ways you can get this nourishment.