Milk and soy--good or bad?

[Dputiger]

So I've heard recently from a couple friends that milk is actually not supposed to be that good for you because its calcium isn't readily digestible. Soy, in its processed form, supposedly isn't that great either. Anyone know anything on these?

[RicheemxX]

Being lactose intolerant I can say for a fact that milk is extremely hard on the digestive system, not only the milk sugars and proteins but yes the calcium as well. Soy is supposed to be better but I really don't know I haven't seen or heard any hard evidence saying its any better or worse. But my doctor suggests using soy products, which I don't I am only mildly lactose intolerant and I love my ice cream so I deal with the repercussions

I've also been told goat milk is better for you than either cow milk or soy, but I'm not about to make that switch without some proof

[thekingofpain]

Originally posted by Dputiger
So I've heard recently from a couple friends that milk is actually not supposed to be that good for you because its calcium isn't readily digestible. Soy, in its processed form, supposedly isn't that great either. Anyone know anything on these?

WE are the only animal that continues to consume milk after we are weened---

[M_Six]

Hmm. I'm into my fifth decade of drinking milk and I have had no cavities since childhood and have survived numerous accidents where my bones should have snapped but didn't. I credit milk with my good health.

That said, I have read convincing arguments that the dairy lobby is responsible for the calcium problems suffered by American because they've been pushing the "milk is good for you" bit to such extremes that many Americans have overdosed on calcium and now their bodies don't absorb enough of it to ward off things like osteoporosis. As with all things, I think moderation is the key here.

[Annisa]

Working for a doctor we receive new studys and warning all the time. I haven't seen anything on calcium come in. We need calcium. It's just as digestible as any other mineral/vitamin. There are ton's of prescriptions given out weekly for calcium supplements. As with anything else, to much of a good thing can hurt you in the long run. Your bones actually become more brittle and you can develope pockets over time on joints. Moderation and daily allowance's are recommended for a reason.

I've tried soy milk, I didn't like it. I'll stick to my moo juice.

[shahani]

Hmm. I'm into my fifth decade of drinking milk and I have had no cavities since childhood and have survived numerous accidents where my bones should have snapped but didn't. I credit milk with my good health.

This almost exactly applies to me word for word.

One reason I insist on my boys drinking at least 2 glasses of Vitamin D full milk, With all the fat in tact.

Milk may not suit some people with weaker digestive systems but I can tell you its the best thing for good teeth and bones.