Myth-Busters

THERE IS SO MUCH HEALTH-RELATED FOOD AND NUTRITION

INFORMATION AVAILABLE, it’s sometimes hard to know what is true, false or somewhere in between. Here, we debunk some of the most common dairy myths consumers ask about.

1. I’M LACTOSE INTOLERANT AND CAN’T

DRINK MILK.

FALSE The majority of people with lactose intolerance can continue to enjoy milk and milk products every day without experiencing the digestive discomfort associated with this condition. That is because most people with lactose intolerance can still digest a certain amount of lactose. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States specifically recommends that people with lactose intolerance not avoid milk and milk products because almost everyone can tolerate a certain amount, and those who do avoid milk products are at risk of developing a calcium or vitamin D deficiency.

2. PLANT-BASED BEVERAGES ARE JUST AS

NUTRITIOUS AS MILK.

FALSE The nutritional value of plant-based beverages can vary substantially from one brand and variety to the next and it is important to know that not all plant-based beverages are nutritionally comparable. Most fortified plant-based beverages have significantly less protein per serving than cow’s milk. In addition, the calcium naturally present in cow’s milk is often better absorbed by our body than what’s added to fortified plant-based beverages. Some research also shows that up to 40% of the calcium added to plant-based beverages can stick to the bottom of the container even if it is shaken vigorously.

3. IT’S UNNATURAL TO DRINK THE MILK OF

ANOTHER SPECIES.

FALSE Definitely not. Humans are omnivores, which means we naturally eat all sorts of different plant and animal foods. We drink milk and eat milk products because they are nutrientdense foods that taste good and are readily available. Human beings have raised many different grazing animals for their milk, including sheep, goats, camels, water buffalo and others for thousands of years. These animals are able to eat grass, a substance humans can’t digest, absorb its nutrients and turn it into a versatile food that is an important source of essential nutrients. Traditionally raised on land not suited for cultivating crops, these animals and the food they provide have helped humans thrive worldwide. We’ve been depending on milk as an important source of nutrition since before recorded time.

4. MILK IS FULL OF HARMFUL GROWTH

HORMONES.

FALSE

No, it’s not. In the U.S. and some other countries, farmers may be allowed to use rbST, an artificial hormone used to increase a cow’s milk production. However, this is not permitted in Canada. While it is unlikely to cause harm to humans, rbST can cause problems in cows. A side effect of using rbST is that it can increase a cow’s risk of mastitis, a painful inflammation of the udder, as well as its risk of infertility. It can also cause lameness. For these reasons, Health Canada has not approved its use. Canadian dairy farmers maximize their herds’ milk production using cow-friendly methods. First, they choose breeds known for their high production of milk, then they focus on providing state-of-the-art shelter, high-quality nutrition and health care because healthy, well-fed and well cared for cows naturally produce better milk.

5. MILK PRODUCTS ARE FATTENING.

FALSE Daily consumption of milk products, as part of a healthy diet, is not associated with weight gain. Milk products provide several essential nutrients, such as calcium and protein. Adequate intake of these nutrients can help with weight management. Consuming enough protein is also an important factor in weight management. Protein has a satiating effect which helps to better control the serving sizes we eat. Milk products are undoubtedly allies when you want to lose weight.

The bacteria in fermented dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and kefir break down some of the lactose in these foods, making them easier for people with lactose intolerance to tolerate.

5% EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT UNTIL MARCH 4TH

Equipment

increase forage compaction to pack silage tighter, increasing storage capacity and silage quality Adjust the weight of MAX PACK by fi lling the drum with Product guide 2022 Silage Management 5259 Hwy 8, Mitchell, ON (519) 393-8290 www.zuidervaartagri.com Visit our website for a dealer near you water Provides a raking action to help level the silage The 4 in. high fi ns help press in silage tight, while solid drum packs Side shift models available Pack better along walls Hydraulically shift the MAX PACK 3 ft left or right for Silage CoversSIDEWALL TIRES better safety in drive over piles and when silage is high above bunker walls Bump wheels standard on outside of frame to prevent damage to walls and machine

SUPPLYING ALL YOUR SILAGE PLASTIC NEEDS

• Megaplast Power Silage Covers

Widths from 20’ to 105’

• Mega Barrier

Low OTR oxygen barrier

Vapour Barrier • Sidewall Plastic • Filled Pea Stone Bags • VH Megastretch Silage accessories

Model Side Shift Width Empty weight

Filled weight MP 250 SS YES 8 ft 3600 lbs 6750 lbs MP 300 SS YES 10 ft 4250 lbs 8250 lbs MP 350 SS YES 11.5 ft 4625 lbs 9250 lbs MP 300 NO 10 ft 4250 lbs 8250 lbsMAX PACK SILAGE MP 350 NO 11.5 ft 4400 lbs COMPACTION 9025 lbs MP 400 NO 13 ft 4750 lbs 10000 lbsROLLERS Extra Weights 56 lbs eachAvailable in 8, 10, 11.5, 13ft widths

7-layer bale wrap • VH Net Wrap

2,600, 3,000 & 3,600 m/roll

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Zuidervaart Agri-Import Ltd 519-393-8290 Twine & Netting

MICHAEL’S STABLING DEVELOPMENTS INC. Equipment

Manufacturer of all types of milking parlor frames

• Parabone • Herringbone • Parallel • Rapid Exit • Tandem style • Also custom orders • Self lock head gates • Pro free stalls • Slant stalls and gates • Calf pens • Tie stalls • Tip tanks 519-794-3933

High performance, low maintenance stabling solutions that will benefit you and your livestock each and every day.