Conventional dairy products are high in many contaminants due to poor treatment of cows (leading to diseased and unhealthy cows), low quality and unnatural feed, and additives used to increase production and weight. There are exceptions to these type of conventional farms where cows are healthy, treated with care, and fed a natural grass diet, but this is not the norm in dairy production.

In terms of effect on humans, many, if not most, people are lactose intolerant due to a reduction in lactase enzyme after the age of 3-5 in humans (when we usually cease milk consumption). This makes the breakdown of milk in the digestive tract very difficult, which can lead to a host of gut and systemic health issues. Ghee (rich in butyrate, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties) and probiotic-rich yogurt (contains healthy bacteria which benefit digestive health and produce some vitamins among many other things) are exceptions, as both have great benefits to our health as long as they come from high-quality, grass-fed sources. 

Best!

Wow, thank you for the great explanation of why Ghee is good for us. Didn’t know any of this.

On a list of Canadian brands of yogurt, Olympic, M-C, Organic Meadow, and Organics Biologique would be good choices as they are all certified organic and probiotic-rich. To avoid high sugar content, look for “plain” varieties.

Making yogurt is very simple. All you need is milk (I recommend grass fed/finished and 2% fat so it’s more satisfying) and a yogurt ‘starter’. There are many resources to assist you, but here is a simple video to get you started. 

Eating yogurt with nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds and fresh berries can make it feel much more satisfying. Hope this helps!

Best! -Zoe

There are many good brands in Canada, but Organics Biologique, M-C, and Organic Meadow are all good options as they are certified organic. To avoid high sugar content, look for “Plain” varieties with higher protein content.

Making yogurt yourself is really simple, and can be done with only two ingredients: milk (I prefer grass fed/finished and 2% fat) and a yogurt ‘starter’. There are many resources out there to help you, but here is a great simple video. 

Add walnuts or slivered almonds and fresh fruit for a more complete mini-meal. I hope that helps!

Best! -Zoe

There are many good brands in Canada, but Organics Biologique, M-C, and Organic Meadow are all good options as they are certified organic. To avoid high sugar content, look for “Plain” varieties with higher protein content.

Making yogurt is really simple, and can be done with only two ingredients: milk (I prefer grass fed/finished and 2% fat) and a yogurt ‘starter’. There are many resources out there to help you, but here is a great simple video. 

Add walnuts or slivered almonds and fresh fruit for a more complete mini-meal. I hope that helps!

Best! -Zoe

Sorry about the repetition!