Milk: It Does a Body ... good?

I came across this piece today saying that milk drinking started about 7,500 years ago in Central Europe.

" Most adults worldwide do not produce the enzyme lactase and so are unable to digest the milk sugar lactose. However, most Europeans continue to produce lactase throughout their life, a characteristic known as lactase persistence.... "

"Since adult consumption of fresh milk was only possible after the domestication of animals, it is likely that lactase persistence co-evolved with the cultural practice of dairying, although it was not known when it first arose in Europe or what factors drove its rapid spread." Professor Mark Thomas (University College London- Genetics, Evolution and Environment)

It is well established that the vast majority of the world population is lactose intolerant. But milk consumption is generally regarded as necessary for optimal health. The current USDA food pyramid has a special section devoted to milk and dairy products, giving it equal importance as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

The next series I'll cover is on milk. If you ever want to see nutritionists get into a fight, take 10 of them, toss them in a room together and ask them if you should drink milk. Be prepared for a heated exchange with intense arguments citing pros and cons of milk.

We'll dive into some research, combine it with a rational understanding of human physiology and leave room for you to decide whether milk, in fact, does a body good.