Myth: Dairy products are fattening and unhealthy.
The fact is... low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese are just as nutritious as whole-milk dairy products, but they are lower in fat and calories.
Dairy products have many nutrients your body needs. They offer protein to build muscles and help organs work properly, and calcium to strengthen bones. Most milk and some yogurt are fortified with vitamin D to help your body use calcium.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming 3 cups per day of fat-free/low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.
If you cannot digest lactose (the sugar found in dairy products), choose low-lactose or lactose-free dairy products, or other foods and beverages that offer calcium and vitamin D.
Some foods that offer calcium:
- Soy-based beverage or tofu made with calcium sulfate
- Canned salmon
- Dark leafy greens like collards or kale
- Soy-based beverage or cereal
- Getting some sunlight on your skin also gives you a small amount of vitamin D