Skimmed Milk Archives

The publicity given to skim milk is really mind blowing as the product is gradually becoming viral. Some years ago, this purportedly healthy product was quite uncommon in this part of the world until the sudden marketing strategies that has brought it on our food shelves.

The question is; What is skim milk? According to wikipedia, skim milk is made when all the cream (also called milk fat) is removed from whole milk. Sometimes, only half the cream is removed, resulting in semi-skimmed milk instead. In other words skimmed milk is defatted whole milk.

Is Skim Milk Healthier Than Whole Milk?

In this period when there is so much noise about deleting fat from the diets of many people, a milk product with no fat or a reduced amount of fat became quite attractive to a lot of people seeking a healthy lifestyle. In fact, many hospitals and clinics have been marketing outfits for this product.

Technically, skim milk should be a healthy product based on the definition given above but – have you ever questioned how the fats are removed and what other ingredients are added to make the product more stable? Have you also questioned what happens to the availability of fat-soluble vitamins in the whole milk?

In my little understanding of food science and technology, I do know that in processing, once a constituent is removed, usually another one must be added to help the product. In the case of skim milk production, once the fat is removed, the product becomes tasteless and the manufacturer adds some amount of sugar to make it a bit sweeter which makes the sugar level in skim milk more than that in whole milk.

Vitamins You Are Missing On With Skim Milk

Another reason I have been careful about including skim milk in the diets of my patients is that it deprives them of fat-soluble vitamins which had been lost due to the removal of fats from the whole milk. These essential vitamins are vitamin A, D, E, and K. You should note that calcium absorption is enhanced by the availability of Vitamin D, but the Vitamin D is in the fat of the whole milk, so the removal of the cream makes the process of absorption of fats impossible.

According to Dr. Frank Lipman’s blog; he stated in one of his articles that because skim milk is a highly processed, “altered” food, it can leave you feeling unsatisfied and experiencing cravings for something more. Our bodies thrive on whole foods, the way they are found in nature. Eating a diet full of high-quality protein and healthy fats from whole foods can prevent the ups and downs and cravings that come from eating fat-free foods that are “missing something.

I do understand that the calorie value in skim milk is much lower than that in whole milk due to the loss of fat and this make it more attractive. However, in my own opinion, if you are supposed to reduce your calorie intake because of health reasons, it is better to choose whole milk with full nutrients while adhering to portion control than consume skim milk.

The fuss about a “NO FAT DIET” is a scam…….please, wake up. Fats should always be included in our diet but at a calculated amount.

In one of my recent articles, I took the time to pen down why people who are 40 years and above should avoid the consumption of certain foods so that they can live a healthier life in the future. While this is ideal to spread around to families and friends, it remains incomplete if I do not disseminate information about foods that people in their 40s should consider consuming regularly.

The need for proper nutrition will help individuals within this age bracket look and feel their best. The consumption of a healthy diet definitely increases one’s life expectancy by reducing the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity among other diseases.

The importance of proper weight control is also critical for 40 years old and above since most diseases are associated with weight gain. It is also of note to consume these foods that will be highlighted below moderately and at recommended daily intake.

1. Fortified Skimmed Milk:

On the day of your 40th birthday, you are probably feeling as young as ever but the truth is things within your system are beginning to take a new shape and you must respond appropriately. Most people as young adults indulge in whole milk which are loaded with fats and these people continue unknowingly over the age of 40. It is impossible to exclude fat from any healthy diet combination but you must begin to reduce them from hidden sources.

Consume skimmed milk (Milk that fat had been removed from) as a way of reducing your daily fat intake. I indicated “fortified” because, during the removal of fats, some essential nutrients must have been lost; so there is a need for those nutrients to included via fortification.

2. Fish, Yes, Fish!:

Well, this is not to say that you cannot consume meats again but fish should be your primary source of protein. The need to obtain omega 3 fatty acids for proper cell functioning at this age cannot be overemphasized. Scaly seas fish and crabs are found to be quite healthy.

I do advise some of my patients who had crossed this age line to reduce deep fat fried foods. The strength of their bodies to process or digest foods had reduced. It is best to enjoy your fish without frying. Fresh fish pepper soup is acceptable.

3. Calcium-Rich Foods:

Osteoporosis is a serious condition that begins to set in majorly at age 40. This is usually due to low bone density. A healthy bone can help against bone-related conditions. Foods rich in calcium include spinach, soybeans, dairy products like milk and yoghurt (be cautious about the dairy products). Including only calcium-rich foods might not solve the problem.

Getting enough vitamin D is very critical as the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium for proper body function. Not getting enough of these leads to fragile bones which is usually worsened by weight gain causing arthritis. Supplementation is also available but does not result in self-help. Ensure you speak with a certified professional.

4. Fruits And Green Vegetables:

We can not overemphasize the need to include this category of foods into anyone’s diet. For those in their 40s, it is essential to say that not all fruits and vegetables will be appropriate to be included in their diet. At 40 years, a lot of people are unknowingly diabetic. Advising such an individual to consume pineapple which has a high glycemic index may be counterproductive.

People in this age should consume green vegetables, cucumber, garden eggs, carrots and other fruits and veggies with the known low glycemic indexes. It is advisable to speak with your doctor to know your health status and dietician to plan a menu for you. You might want to see tips on how to cook vegetables such as nutrients inside are not lost.

5. Garlic And Ginger:

For me, the combination of these natural food additives is critical for an improved immune system more than any other food for any age group. I remembered when my mum was battling with increased blood pressure, after a proper menu had been prepared for her, I was quick to inform her to include both garlic and ginger into her soups and stews.

In fact, she swallows some diced garlic at night as prescribed by me. Now, she is free from the situation. Subsequent tests revealed normal blood pressure. Asides this, these foods are both loaded with antibacterial compounds.

If you do have brothers, sisters, friends or even colleagues at work who are close to the age of 40 or 40 years and above, you will be doing them a whole lot if you share this article with them.

Indeed Life Begins at 40…….Stay Healthy.