According to the USDA's Choose My Plate Program (1), adults and children consume about 400 calories of beverages per day. Dairy milk is a good source of nutrition and moms are looking to make the best choices when it comes time to choose their children's and themselves's diet.
Milk is rich in calcium and proteins, 18 of the 22 nutrients your body requires.
It's not surprising that moms are confused by the many choices available. Moms may choose to offer non-dairy beverages instead of real milk. However, it is important to note that these alternatives are not the same as dairy drinks. These beverages are different in five areas: price, taste, nutrition, ingredients, and added sugars.
The USDA does not define a specific milk intake. The USDA offers a more general recommendation on dairy consumption. Men and women over 50 years of age should consume three cups of milk per day. USDA dairy recommendations are meant to help you meet your calcium needs. While these foods are listed as being equal in terms of calcium, their other nutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats can vary. This recommendation excludes dairy products like butter, cream, and cream cheese that do not retain calcium. Women should include milk in their diet to help meet calcium requirements.
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Dairy from a farm is naturally rich in nutrients.
Real dairy milk, unlike many other milk alternatives that are not farm fresh is naturally rich in nutrients. It contains calcium, potassium, B vitamins, phosphorus and high-quality proteins. The milk is fortified with vitamin A and D to create a nutritional powerhouse of 9 essential nutrients. The nutritional profile of other milk alternatives varies. Some contain little or no naturally occurring nutrients. Most are therefore fortified.
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Simple choice.
You may be surprised when you compare the ingredients of milk with non-dairy substitutes. Many alternatives contain 10 or more additional ingredients including sugar, salt or thickeners such as gums. Dairy Milk, a minimally-processed and farm fresh beverage, contains only three ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin D, and milk.
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Dairy milk does not contain added sugars.
You will see sugar on the nutrition label of a gallon milk. This sugar is actually lactose, which occurs naturally. People may not be aware that a food item or beverage contains added sugar. Many non-dairy drinks, such as almond milk, have added sugar. If you see ingredients like cane syrup or cane juice in the list of ingredients, it means that sugar has been added.
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Dairy Milk can help stretch grocery budget.
Milk is the only beverage that offers more nutrition per penny, at just a quarter. Compare this to almond milk at $0.45 for an 8-ounce portion, or other non-dairy options like rice milk which can cost up to $0.79. About 10 percent of the average American family's budget is spent on groceries, which amounts to about $80 per week. The average American family will spend $628 on milk per year compared to $1,222 for vanilla almond milk. Savings of nearly $600 per annum. ?
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The taste that kids and chefs alike love
The foundation of many classic recipes is milk. It's used in many different cultures around the globe. Milk adds depth, enhances flavor, and is a delicious base for many dishes, from creamy macaroni-and-cheese to classic alfredo and delectable crème brulee. You can substitute real dairy milk with other ingredients, but each one has its own flavor. This will change the taste or consistency of the dish, including pancakes, oatmeal, and smoothies.
To learn more about the differences between milk and non-dairy alternatives, visit milklife.com/knowyourmilk.
SOURCE: MilkPEP
USDA The Dairy Group
Two Ways to Get Balanced Nutrition From Milk
Update on Consumer Spending for the Mid-Year
The article 5 Things You Should Know About Milk Alternatives and Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the benefits of complementary or alternative medicine?
Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), is a general term that covers medical practices that people use when they feel they don't get enough from allopathic medicines. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. CAM practitioners often use treatments that are considered “alternative” because they do not fit into conventional medicine's system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM treatments also include elements of traditional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM treatments can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, relaxation, sleep disorders, or manage stress. They can also help with fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:
- A holistic approach that includes both the body, mind, spirit, environment, and everything in between
- The belief that the mind, body and soul interact and influence one another
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- It is important to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. If they are not used correctly, some therapies may cause death or serious harm. Some have side effects, which should be balanced against their perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicines can be safe as they don't contain harmful drugs and are natural remedies that people have used for centuries.
They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.
Millions of people suffer from various illnesses use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies are holistic and treat the person as a whole, not the symptoms.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine encompasses any medical treatment that adds to the mainline. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicines should not be used in lieu of traditional medicine. They should be used alongside it. Because they combine Western scientific methods with other proven healing methods, they are sometimes called “alternative” and “integrative medicine.”
What is the opposite of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They identify the root causes of disease and help prevent it from happening again. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They sometimes refer to “the whole body” as the entirety of their being.
This means that they look beyond the skin and treat the body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. He may also suggest meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplements, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, or other forms of alternative medicine.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
It would be best to describe these products as “natural”, but not necessarily organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs can cause allergic reactions and may need to have different preparations depending on the individual. Health food stores sell herbs that are more uniform than those in grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
Most herbal supplements are made from dried herbs. Some people prefer buying them in liquid form, which tends to be cheaper. This doesn't necessarily mean they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There's no guarantee that the product will retain its original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Usually, herbs and spices are added to food after it has been cooked. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements are usually taken orally (by chewing). Most vitamins and minerals come in tablet form. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are homeopathic, but do not function like regular medications. Instead, they act on the body's immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies are considered safe and non-toxic. They are popularly used in Europe and South America.
Acupuncture uses fine needles to insert into specific points along your meridians. It is based a traditional Chinese medical theory that states there are energy channels through them, where the life force flows. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. It is believed that energy flow can be restored by stimulating specific points along the meridian lines using fine needles. The body then returns to normal operation.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer created this technique in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose and treat diseases by manipulating vertebrae. His methods involved spinal adjustments, muscle tests, and percussion.
Chiropractic has grown in popularity over the last few years. Many believe that it works better for back pain than conventional medicine.
Massage therapy involves rubbing, kneading, tapping, or stroking muscles, joints, and other body parts. Massage helps loosen tight muscles, reduce tension, and relax sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology refers to alternative medicine that uses pressure to apply pressure to specific areas of your feet and hands using thumb pads and fingers. This method, according to reflexologists, stimulates the body’s natural healing ability.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. Because of their chemical composition, essential oils can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions such as arthritis treatment and headache relief. There are many forms of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Therapist uses gentle touch and pressure to alleviate discomfort and pain. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. This therapy involves the application of light pressure to different areas on the head, neck and shoulders. The therapist also moves her/his hands along the patient's body.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Dietary supplements include oral and topical products that have vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts or enzymes. They also contain probiotics (antibiotics), antioxidants and fatty oils. Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1995. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration's Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices. That means its ingredients were properly handled at every stage of production.
Electrotherapy uses electricity to stimulate the nerves and muscles. The most common form of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS devices provide low-level electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin. These pulses trigger brain receptors that block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based in the belief that everyone has inherent healing abilities. Also, that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have an impact on our physical health. Although energy healing has been practiced since ancient days, practitioners today accept that there is more than one layer of energy. Emotional energy is one layer. Another is called mental energy. Others include physical, spiritual, chakras, vital, life force, prana, kundalini, biofield, aura, and quantum fields. These energies may be connected to the entire universe, according to some. Some believe they are able to heal others by using their minds. But, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of energy medicine.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Sometimes, it's considered an alternative therapy to psychotherapy. It focuses less upon past events and more on helping clients alter their present behavior. Energy psychology does NOT require a theoretical framework. It draws from many disciplines, such as cognitive behavioral, transactional, interpersonal psychoanalysis (attachment theory), and developmental psychology.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: 5 Things to Know About Milk and Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/5-things-know-milk-non-dairy-milk-alternatives/
Published Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2023 22:18:42 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the benefits of complementary or alternative medicine?
Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), is a general term that covers medical practices that people use when they feel they don't get enough from allopathic medicines. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. CAM practitioners often use treatments that are considered “alternative” because they do not fit into conventional medicine's system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM treatments also include elements of traditional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM treatments can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, relaxation, sleep disorders, or manage stress. They can also help with fatigue and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:
- A holistic approach that includes both the body, mind, spirit, environment, and everything in between
- The belief that the mind, body and soul interact and influence one another
- The belief that illness is due in part to an imbalance between the individual (and his/her environment)
- It is important to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Use natural products over synthetic chemicals
- Healing touch
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. If they are not used correctly, some therapies may cause death or serious harm. Some have side effects, which should be balanced against their perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic medicines can be safe as they don't contain harmful drugs and are natural remedies that people have used for centuries.
They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.
Millions of people suffer from various illnesses use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies are holistic and treat the person as a whole, not the symptoms.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine encompasses any medical treatment that adds to the mainline. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicines should not be used in lieu of traditional medicine. They should be used alongside it. Because they combine Western scientific methods with other proven healing methods, they are sometimes called “alternative” and “integrative medicine.”
What is the opposite of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They identify the root causes of disease and help prevent it from happening again. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They sometimes refer to “the whole body” as the entirety of their being.
This means that they look beyond the skin and treat the body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. He may also suggest meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplements, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, or other forms of alternative medicine.
Statistics
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
It would be best to describe these products as “natural”, but not necessarily organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs can cause allergic reactions and may need to have different preparations depending on the individual. Health food stores sell herbs that are more uniform than those in grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
Most herbal supplements are made from dried herbs. Some people prefer buying them in liquid form, which tends to be cheaper. This doesn't necessarily mean they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There's no guarantee that the product will retain its original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Usually, herbs and spices are added to food after it has been cooked. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements are usually taken orally (by chewing). Most vitamins and minerals come in tablet form. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are homeopathic, but do not function like regular medications. Instead, they act on the body's immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies are considered safe and non-toxic. They are popularly used in Europe and South America.
Acupuncture uses fine needles to insert into specific points along your meridians. It is based a traditional Chinese medical theory that states there are energy channels through them, where the life force flows. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. It is believed that energy flow can be restored by stimulating specific points along the meridian lines using fine needles. The body then returns to normal operation.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer created this technique in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose and treat diseases by manipulating vertebrae. His methods involved spinal adjustments, muscle tests, and percussion.
Chiropractic has grown in popularity over the last few years. Many believe that it works better for back pain than conventional medicine.
Massage therapy involves rubbing, kneading, tapping, or stroking muscles, joints, and other body parts. Massage helps loosen tight muscles, reduce tension, and relax sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology refers to alternative medicine that uses pressure to apply pressure to specific areas of your feet and hands using thumb pads and fingers. This method, according to reflexologists, stimulates the body’s natural healing ability.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. Because of their chemical composition, essential oils can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions such as arthritis treatment and headache relief. There are many forms of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Therapist uses gentle touch and pressure to alleviate discomfort and pain. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. This therapy involves the application of light pressure to different areas on the head, neck and shoulders. The therapist also moves her/his hands along the patient's body.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Dietary supplements include oral and topical products that have vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts or enzymes. They also contain probiotics (antibiotics), antioxidants and fatty oils. Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1995. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration's Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices. That means its ingredients were properly handled at every stage of production.
Electrotherapy uses electricity to stimulate the nerves and muscles. The most common form of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS devices provide low-level electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin. These pulses trigger brain receptors that block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based in the belief that everyone has inherent healing abilities. Also, that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can have an impact on our physical health. Although energy healing has been practiced since ancient days, practitioners today accept that there is more than one layer of energy. Emotional energy is one layer. Another is called mental energy. Others include physical, spiritual, chakras, vital, life force, prana, kundalini, biofield, aura, and quantum fields. These energies may be connected to the entire universe, according to some. Some believe they are able to heal others by using their minds. But, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of energy medicine.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Sometimes, it's considered an alternative therapy to psychotherapy. It focuses less upon past events and more on helping clients alter their present behavior. Energy psychology does NOT require a theoretical framework. It draws from many disciplines, such as cognitive behavioral, transactional, interpersonal psychoanalysis (attachment theory), and developmental psychology.
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