As a mother, milk was the beverage of choice at our dinner table. It’s no secret that getting enough calcium from childhood through adulthood helps to build bones up and then helps slow the loss of bone as we age.

There’s much debate as to whether milk is the best source of calcium, but that’s a discussion for another day. Today’s focus is about the various kinds of milk, its calcium and fat content.

Indeed, even I was a little surprised by the results. Even though today is Thursday, when we post our Iowa Avenue Thursday Thirteen lists, I’ve tried to include thirteen charts, graphs, and facts.

I hope you find them as interesting as I did:

1. Whole Milk – 3.25% Milk fat

2. Low Fat Milk – 2% Milk fat

3. Fat Free Milk – 0% Milk fat

4. Soy Milk

If you think that by drinking whole milk, you’re getting more calcium–you’re incorrect. Skim milk has more calcium.

If you’re considering a switch to soy milk, be sure to look for the “Calcium Fortified” on the milk label. Two more important facts about soy milk and calcium:

1. The calcium in soy milk isn’t as easily digested as cow’s milk.

2. Soy milk tends to be more expensive than cow’s milk.

What’s the Recommended Daily Allowance for Calcium?

I try to drink soy, especially in my coffee, but of the three big cow’s milks, I always drink fat free. Although there are other food sources of calcium, milk is definitely high on the list.

So, which kind of milk do you drink, because,

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

© Iowa Ave

Photo courtesy of D-32