Newsletter
Mid-Winter Naturopathic Newsletter
Where's the milk? Harvard experts advise on best calcium sources.
Nutrition experts at Harvard released their "Healthy Eating Plate" recently, a food guide that recommends holding off on dairy as a main source of calcium, dismisses the common potato, advises fish, poultry, nuts and beans as the main sources of protein and hails whole grains along with a variety of fruits and vegetables. In summary, an anti-inflammatory diet.
Their goal is to promote a diet for North Americans that will not only decrease obesity but prevent chronic disease too. Of particular interest is their statement about calcium from daily sources: "While calcium and dairy can lower the risk of osteoporosis and colon cancer, high intake can increase the risk of prostate cancer and possibly ovarian cancer. Plus, dairy products can be high in saturated fat as well as retinol (vitamin A), which at high levels can paradoxically weaken bones."
The Harvard researchers argue theirs is a scientific guide not tainted by industry ties stating that the "U.S. Department of Agriculture (food) pyramids and Myplate (food guide) mixes science with the influence of powerful agricultural interests, which is not the recipe for healthy eating."
Instead of dairy the school recommends collards, bok choy, fortified soy milk, baked beans and supplements that contain both calcium and vitamin D as better sources of calcium. Given that vegetable sources of calcium are better absorbed than dairy sources, this is a great reason to spice up some bok choy for dinner tonight.
Check out our Recipe tab for Baby Bok Choy Stir-Fry