MONTROSE, Pa. — Hi, I’m Holly Harvatine and I am a Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador. Did you know that about 65% of the human population has some sort of inability to digest a sugar compound found in dairy which is called lactose? Normally a human’s body produces an enzyme in the small intestine called lactase which breaks down the lactose compound. Some people’s bodies lack the production of the enzyme.
(Holly Harvatine, photo provided)
People may think that means they have to remove dairy from their diets totally. Not true. Not everyone knows about the options there are to still enjoy delicious dairy foods. There are enzyme supplements that help so one can still enjoy their favorite treats, lactose free dairy products and dairy products low in(. It all depends on the severity of one’s digestive restrictions.
But yes, there are still ways to enjoy your favorite dairy treats! Hard, aged cheeses are among the lowest lactose dairy foods, such as cheddar, parmesan, Swiss and other “block” cheeses. Cultured or fermented dairy products like yogurt are also included. Butter is very low in lactose as it is primarily composed of fat rather than lactose containing milk.
So remember if you or someone you know are lactose intolerant you can still get your “Three Everyday of Dairy”!
Be watching for more articles based on this topic to follow that I will be writing.
–Holly Harvatine, Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador