How bad is dairy for health and weight?

[speeddemon]

I've been thinking about cutting dairy out of my diet. Will that make a huge difference to my weight loss goals? Does dairy offer any real benefit that should make me consider leaving some of it in my diet? I'm asking only because, in addition to being high in fat, I've also read that diary products can make you bloated. I do love cheese and milk, but I can sacrifice it if I have to.

[kellykatt]

Well, as you already mentioned, it's really high in fat, and it tends to be a food group that does contribute to weight gain. Cheese, milk, ice cream, whipping cream, yogurt, butter, etc. are all realllllly high in fat. They taste awesome, but they do contribute to a lot of calories. I don't think you need to eject it form your diet totally, as it does offer vitamins and minerals and other nutrients that are good for you, but mostly I think dairy is best in low quantities and as a treat.

[1000kw]

Dairy products are not so harmful as you have described. If the quantity of it has been taken in limit, it is beneficial too. We can take it according to our calorie management. milk and cheese also contain calcium that is very necessary for the bone strength.

That's not entirely true. You can get calcium from other foods beyond dairy, such as oranges, and dark leafy greens, both of which are an excellent source of calcium. Don't get me wrong, dairy isn't all bad, but it is high in fat, which is something you need to be aware of if you want to lose weight. If cutting out dairy is the right choice for someone, they can do this safety by simply choosing alternatives to get the necessary vitamins and minerals.

[speeddemon]

That's not entirely true. You can get calcium from other foods beyond dairy, such as oranges, and dark leafy greens, both of which are an excellent source of calcium. Don't get me wrong, dairy isn't all bad, but it is high in fat, which is something you need to be aware of if you want to lose weight. If cutting out dairy is the right choice for someone, they can do this safety by simply choosing alternatives to get the necessary vitamins and minerals.

I didn't realize that calcium came from so many other sources, I really thought it was pretty much either dairy or taking a supplement. Does an orange and dark leafy greens have as much calcium in them as a glass of milk or pieces of cheese?

[Nelly]

yeah you can get calcium from lots of stuff. Everyone seems to think that it only comes from supplements and milk for some reason, but it's in a lot of foods (and those that are healthier for you, too). This can be said about a lot of vitamins and minerals. It's why it's important to get as much variety in your diet as possible.

[Paplo]

yeah you can get calcium from lots of stuff. Everyone seems to think that it only comes from supplements and milk for some reason, but it's in a lot of foods (and those that are healthier for you, too). This can be said about a lot of vitamins and minerals. It's why it's important to get as much variety in your diet as possible.

It's true. You can get calcium from a variety of sources, this can be said for many vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Take vitamin C, for example. Some people really associate it with oranges and orange juice and that sort of thing, and it does exist in this fruit but you actually get vitamin C from a huge range of foods, so much so, that most of us easily get what we need, if not more, in vitamin C every day. That's kind of why it's important not to just take health supplements or daily vitamins unless you know exactly what you're getting and you actually need them because you know you're not getting enough in your diet.

[char]

I don't think dairy is bad...it's like everything else, it's all about eating stuff in moderation. If you sit down and gorge on cheese or eat a pound of butter a day...yeah, it's going to be bad for you. Otherwise, you should be fine.

[millersmithMISA]

Hi,

Well yet there is no evidence that dairy products & foods cause weight gain in individuals. You lose and gain weight by eating fewer or additional calories, not by any one food group. Yes you heard it right!!! Dairy products are good source of many beneficial nutrients and should be included in our diet. Excluding dairy products can help with weight loss. Milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy unsweetened products contain lactose, a natural sugar, while other dairy products may contain added sugar. If you're trying to lose stubborn belly fat, eliminating all sugar can really help.

Thanks

[Steven1989]

I think its just a matter of moderation for all things in general