Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Wed, 2 Sep 1998 13:25:16 -0400 |
Content-Type: | TEXT/PLAIN |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
On Wed, 2 Sep 1998, Robert A. McGlohon, Jr. wrote:
> In Neanderthin, Ray tells us to shun milk because of the foreign
> protein called "lactose." I take it that even if we are not "lactose
> intolerant," this protein can cause an auto-immune response.
Lactose is a sugar, not a protein. It is a disaccharide that
must be broken down by means of the enzyme lactase. The proteins
in dairy foods include casein and lactalbumin.
> As I understand it, before some of use evolved to tolerate lactose as
> adults, milk was made into yogurt and cheese, which made the milk
> digestible.
Yes, because the lactose is digested by the microorganisms that
do the fermentation, in the case of yogurt and aged cheeses.
> Unless I missed it, the only reason Ray gives for avoiding cheese in
> Neanderthin is the high fat content. He does this despite elsewhere
> encouraging us to develop a taste for animal fat.
Interesting point. The proteins in dairy foods are not
"foreign," since they are the same proteins that are present in
human breast milk.
> Does anybody know of a nutritional reason not to eat cheese?
Yes. Casein has a low ratio of the amino acid arginine to
lysine. Research suggests that a low arg:lys ratio worsens blood
lipids. In fact, casein is used by scientists to induce
hypercholesterolemia in laboratory animals.
Todd Moody
[log in to unmask]
|
|
|