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The dairy debate

We’ve all heard the old celebrity excuse about being intolerant to a certain type of food -when really Closer strongly suspect they’re simply cutting out food groups to keep slim- and dairy has always featured heavily amongst them.

Celebs who stay away from milk products include Orlando Bloom, Victoria Beckham and Jessica Alba, and some nutrition experts claim that a food that was meant to nurture baby animals is just not suited to the human body.

The other team, however, suggests that there are plenty of health benefits to incorporating milk into your diet, and a heated debate has ensued.

Recent studies have shown that women who consume two servings of full-fat dairy a day are more likely to conceive, whilst men who drink a pint of milk every day will reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack by 30 per cent.

Some scientists, however, believe that cow milk contains dangerous amounts of lactose and hormones, which can lead to intolerance and illness.

And anti- cow milk campaigners have rubbished the old adage that you have to drink milk to keep your bones strong, too, as recent studies seem to suggest that there is no link between calcium intake and bone density.

So really, it's a choice that everyone has to make individually. If you feel that you would benefit from cutting out dairy but can’t live without your milky fix, here are some alternative options:

Rice milk
This is the best option for those with intolerances because rice is a very low allergenic product. Rice milk is high in carbohydrates so it will give you plenty of energy, but some might be left feeling hungrier due to its’ lack of protein.

You should also be aware that traces of arsenic can be found in about 10 per cent of rice and rice products, although the risk with rice milk is likely to be minimal.

Oat milk
This milk has eight times more fibre than other options and trials have seen cholesterol levels drop by six per cent when consumed on a regular basis. Some might find that the bitter flavour takes a while to get used to.

Soya milk
This milk has an almost identical nutritional make-up to cows milk and the plant product is said to balance hormone levels and improve bone strength. Diets that contain soy products are also linked to a lowered risk of heart disease. However, studies have shown that soy contains an ingredient that can affect men’s sperm quality.

If you want to cut out dairy products, why not try Closerdiets' dairy-free meal plan, which can be tailored to suit your individual requirements.  Join Closerdiets.com now for all the information and expert support you need.

Always consult your doctor if you are in any doubt about allergies or intolerances. Never cut out entire food groups without consulting a professional first.