DAIRY & EGGS
Butter
Yes, butter is good for you. In its pure form, that is. No butter substitutes. Choose organic because it is an animal product (you can buy organic butter in bulk at CostCo. ) And NO frying things in butter, because that changes the molecular structure and will clog up your arteries and kill you. But using butter raw or cold on a baked sweet potato or spreading it on whole grain bread is more than ok. Yes, yes it is! Butter:
•contains lecithin, an important brain food.
•contains lauric acid which fights fungal infection including Candida.
•contains antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage.
•a rich source of a highly absorbable form of Vitamin A and E.
•a good source of cancer-fighting Vitamin D and selenium.
•supports healthy blood flow in the reproductive system for women.
Milk / Cream
Milk and cream has health benefits, but also must be consumed in moderation.
The Good…
•is high in bone-building calcium and Vitamin D.
•includes protein.
•RAW milk contains immune-building, gut-friendly probiotics.
The Bad…
•causes the production of mucus which creates overall stagnancy in the body.
•aggravates allergies.
•is hard to digest for many people.
•can cause breakouts.
•unless organic, milk contains harmful antibiotics and growth hormones – hallmarks of animal-unfriendly, factory farming.
Cheese
I group cheeses together here, but let it be known that other than Parmigiano Reggiano, I prefer and use mainly sheep and goat milk cheeses as they are easier to digest.
The Good…
•contain all four fat-soluble vitamins A, E, K and D.
•high in calcium.
•cheese from grass-fed cows (Parmigiano Reggianno and many French cheeses) contains high levels of CLA, a cancer-fighting, fat-reducing fat. (Is this why the French are so thin?)
•sheep and goat milk cheeses are easier on the digestive system, even for people with lactose intolerance.
•sheep and goat milk cheese are less likely to contain hormones and antibiotics.
•raw milk cheeses can be high in Omega-3s.
The Bad…
•causes the production of mucus which creates overall stagnancy in the body.
•can aggravate all kinds of allergies.
•can cause breakouts in some people.
•can be high in cholesterol.
•is hard to digest for many people, particularly those who suffer from lactose intolerance.
•be careful with pizza and Mexican food; melted cheese can often cause more gas than unmelted.
Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano is the king of all Italian cheeses. There is no substitute for it. Parmesan is an American knock-off that does not have the same exquisite flavor or the same health benefits. Parmigiano Reggiano is:
•easier to digest than other milk products as the aging process breaks down milk proteins.
•lower in fat and salt than most cheeses.
•an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and common in the diet of Italian athletes.
•high in CLA, a cancer-fighting, fat-reducing lipid.
Eggs
I remember hearing as a kid that eggs were good for your hair. So my friend Dalynn and I got in the shower and cracked eggs over our heads. They stunk. Bad idea. Eating them however is a good idea.
Egg yolks:
•are a great source of choline which: supports brain function, memory and is thought to help prevent Alzheimer’s AND is important for the breakdown of fat and cholesterol in the liver.
•have shown to lower the risk of breast cancer.
•are high in heart-healthy Omega-3s.
Though the majority of the healing properties in eggs are found in the yolk, the white is prized for its:
•high protein content that comes without fat or cholesterol and is easily absorbed by the body.
•good source of the amino acids useful for building muscle.
Yogurt/Kefir
Yogurt and other fermented foods have been used for centuries to help build a strong immune system. In fact studies have shown that in societies where people ate yogurt regularly their lifespan was significantly higher. Yogurt naturally does not come with added sugar and fruit syrups; if you want the benefits eat it plain or add fresh fruit or some raw honey to sweeten. Yogurt:
•contains probiotics that are important for digestive health, overall immunity and hindering Candida growth.
•is important for women in the prevention of yeast infections.
•is high in calcium which is important for bones and good sleep.