By Shannon Eades
If you have a dairy intolerance/allergy, then you know the daily frustration of finding something suitable that won’t wreak havoc on your digestive system.
But most people who don’t have this problem are going dairy-free simply because they want a “better” diet – or are just following the trend.
Most people who think they are intolerant to dairy or lactose actually aren’t, recent research reveals. According to a Foods Standards Agency report in 2008, it’s “estimated that only 5-8% of children and 1- 2% of adults have a food allergy.”
The rise of veganism could play a big part in the increase of dairy free diets, but people who aren’t vegan are following this trend too, they love meat and may go dairy-free for other reasons.
Cleaner Mavis Williams, 66, was enjoying a vegan brownie at vegan cafe Cookies and Scream in Highbury. She isn’t all that strict about eliminating dairy from her diet but said she was influenced to do so by family.
“It makes me feel better, I just want to improve my health and it does help for me” she said.
Godairyfree.org lists a number of reasons why you should go dairy-free, including weight loss, clear skin and cancer prevention. But a recent article from the BBC gives out a warning about bone health saying: “Milk and dairy food, such as cheese and yoghurt, are important sources of calcium for strong bones.”
Perhaps it differs from person to person. Trend or not, it gets people thinking about their health, which is a good thing. Speak to a doctor before you start going dairy-free.
Fancy a treat?
Pop into Cookies & Scream for a delicious cookie and milkshake – with no cow’s milk added. Everything at the cafe is vegan, and it’s a virtual dairy-free heaven, with a range of different mouthwatering dishes and flavours. See if you can finish the entire milkshake on your own – it’s so sweet you might want to share it with a friend.
- Infographic information written by Barbara Sike sourced from NHS.uk
- Pictures and infographic design using Canva by Shannon Eades
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