Have you had your daily serving of pasteurized milk or calcium supplement today? Are you concerned that it will cause osteoporosis? Well, don’t be! Much of what you hear about osteoporosis is hearsay. You are not likely to get this disease by drinking milk or taking calcium supplements.
Osteoporosis is caused from a deficiency of calcium which is needed in order for your muscles to contract. It also allows the blood vessels to contract and expand and aids with the secretion of hormones and enzymes into the body.
Calcium supplements can help aid the body in absorbing the proper amount of calcium if the daily amount needed is not achieved through eating foods high in calcium. Kale, broccoli, tofu and Chinese cabbage are one source of calcium, yet diary products like yogurt and cheese are the main source of calcium. When supplements are taken, even in high dosages, it does not cause osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become fragile and brittle causing them to break. An inadequate amount of calcium leads to osteoporosis. It’s at that point that calcium supplements can help build the correct amount of calcium back into the body.
The pasteurization of milk is intended to kill some micro-organisms in it. It aims to reduce the number of pathogens and is unlikely to cause diseases. The methods established for pasteurization are controlled by the national food safety agency in the United States. The consumption of milk and other diary products like yogurt and cheese can add calcium in the body. It is not the cause of osteoporosis, but rather one source of prevention for those most likely to be affected by this disease –women. Women are more apt, according to studies, to develop osteoporosis up to 80% leading men by 60%.
Osteoporosis is preventable with the proper diet using Vitamin D, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, smoking and getting a bone density test by your health care professional. So drink plenty of milk (pasteurized of course) and take your calcium supplements; knowing it will help you stay off the path of osteoporosis.
