[Spinymouse]

Hi -
I have read the Omnivore's Dilemma, and have begun reading the China Study; I've read the book about eating for your blood type, etc. I am at LEAST as concerned about the socio-economic effects of what I buy to eat, as I am with the nutritional effects. I have noticed in the China Study that the nasty effects of dairy are labeled as cow's milk dairy. I noticed that for my blood type, type A, in that particular diet, that cow's milk is not recommended but goat's is ok. I do like dairy products a lot. I realize that the blood type diet is not a weight loss diet, but a diet that may help people to optimize thier health by eating foods compatible with their physiology. I find that goat milk does not cause that phlegm secretion that cow's milk does. I do not know for sure what voting, by my purchases, for the goat dairy industry helps to support. I know that in most cases, buying cow-dairy inadvertently supports the veal industry (that's what they do with the males) and I am not sure about the equivalent with goats in this country (USA) or the humanity of the animals' conditions. I am guessing that goat products are a better choice all the way around. I have done some internet searching but find very little info, and of course, it's not like you can believe everything on the internet....so.....just wondering if anyone on the VeggieChicks board has had these questions before and can supply any enlightenment. I hope that I will get no bad news because I am currently enjoying my low-fat goat milk and goat cheeses. But let me have it! (the data) Thanks!

[shananigans]

I have heard that goat’s milk is closer to human milk than cow’s milk (smaller molecules). So it should be easier to digest. I’ve also read studies that our bodies can make much better use of calcium, protein, and other nutrients from plant sources than animal sources. There are lots of studies that will show contradicting evidence in either direction, but you have to keep in mind that agribusiness often gets their hands involved in funding studies that will show their products (meat and dairy) are beneficial. In the end everyone has to make their own decisions about what to put in their bodies, and everyone is different. My ideal diet and the one I strive for 80% of the time (I am no purist, just don’t have the discipline for it right now) is a vegan diet filled with whole grains, vegetables, beans/legumes, and some fruit, all as unprocessed as possible. I do like some dairy now and then because I love the taste of cheese, but I don’t think I’m doing my body any favors by eating dairy.

Sorry, that was a long-winded and didn’t exactly answer the question. I don’t know anything about the treatment of goats used to produce goat dairy products, however I’d think it would be safe to say it’s likely not worse than the treatment of your average dairy cow (which is pretty miserable). And like you said, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. Sorry, I’m of no help there!

Also, I am no expert, but in my humble opinion that eat for your blood type diet always struck me as complete BS. I’ve read through some of the book and the author seems very keen on labeling and stereotyping (“strong” hunter O types, vs. the “weak” vegetarian A? type). I didn’t see one reference to an actual scientific study to back up any of the claims, and logically it just doesn’t make any sense to me either. Just my $.02 for what it’s worth.