Milk Is Not Always Good, Harvard Expert Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. avid [AV-id] (adj.) – having strong interest in something

Example: The avid vegetarian does not like any meat on her plate.

2. healthful [HELTH-fuhl] (adj.) – characterized with good health

Example: The athlete only takes healthful meals to maintain a fit lifestyle.

3. consumption [kuh n-SUHMP-shuh n] (n.) – the act of using something by eating or drinking

Example: Regular milk consumption is advised for infants.

4. unnecessary [uhn-NES-uh-ser-ee] (adj.) – not important or not needed

Example: People with diabetes avoid eating unnecessary amount of sweet food.

5. dose [dohs] (n.) – the amount of medicine, drugs, or any substance

Example: The doctor gave the patient a specific dose of vitamins to take every day.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A pediatrician from Harvard University claims that drinking milk is not always good and healthy for all people. American nutritionists recommend drinking three cups of milk every day, an advice that has made Americans avid milk drinkers. People are also told to consume milk with reduced fat since non-fat milk is supposedly more healthful. However, David Ludwig of Harvard University states that such recommendation may not be as healthy as everyone thought it would be. Ludwig revealed that reducing fat in milk means an unnecessary amount of sugar and calories is added to the product. Thus, low-fat, sweetened milk would give the drinker less fat, but more sugar and calories. The said recommendation on the daily consumption of milk also does not apply to all. For a person with poor quality diet, taking three cups of milk a day will be very much helpful. On the other hand, people with high quality diet will get little to no nutrition from milk. Ludwig added that other food products can also provide humans with the nutrients found in milk. Without milk, people can still have their daily dose of calcium, protein, and vitamin D from green, leafy vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Thus, Ludwig advised people to consider taking zero to three cups instead of strictly drinking three cups daily. In addition, Ludwig suggests that people drink low-fat milk with no added sugar. These suggestions may also apply to other milk products, such as yogurt.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you follow Ludwig’s advice to drink less milk per day? Why or why not?

·         What do you think are the benefits of drinking milk every day? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         What, for you, is a ‘healthy diet’? Please explain your answer.

·         Would you spend more money for a healthy diet? Why?

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