Tag: Health benefits of dairy

In the United States, whole milk is legally required to contain at least 3.25% milk fat by weight. This, along with other naturally rich products, constitutes what is considered full-fat dairy, a category experiencing renewed interest in the nutritional world.

Genetic studies show that the ability to digest milk sugar (lactose) into adulthood, known as lactase persistence, evolved independently in several human populations within the last 10,000 years. This has fueled a long-standing debate: are humans not supposed to eat dairy, or is it a dietary norm for some and an issue for others?

All plain dairy products naturally contain the sugar lactose, typically around 12 grams per 8-ounce glass of milk. The question, is sugar in dairy bad for you, largely depends on distinguishing this natural lactose from the added sugars found in flavored and processed dairy items.