I've been reading here and other places that dairy causes more insulin release than white bread. On the surface it seems like we'd want to avoid it but Dr. Sears' Zone Bars, breads, protein powder, etc., all contain either whey or milk protein. I've read that the amino acid composition of dairy proteins, specifically the amino acids leucine, valine, lysine, and isoleucine are very insulinogenic proteins, and they’re highest in whey (which is probably why whey protein elicits the biggest insulin response) source - http://www.ajcn.org/content/80/5/1246.abstract If this is true, how could the Zone bars work so well to control insulin release?

I've been off of dairy for over a year and just started eating it last week when I started the Zone Diet. I actually wouldn't mind gaining a little weight so my question of whether to eat dairy or not is for reasons of general health, anti-aging, etc. From what I've seen on the forum, some eat it and some don't. ??

Larry,

The issue with dairy is with regard to the form that it is in-liquid vs. solid.

Milk is a liquid, and liquids generally are digested more quickly, thereby spiking sugar and insulin release more quickly due to the larger surface area. I wouldn't say that it causes more insulin release than white bread, but it is more quick than if you are eating a vegetable or a more solid form of dairy.

If you are referring to the whey or milk protein found in the bars, that is really a different issue because 1) you are talking about a portion of the dairy, not the whole thing, and 2) it is in a more solid form, less surface area.

If you compare 2 similar dairy products, skim milk and plain nonfat yogurt, you will see that their nutritional breakdown is very similar per zone block. Yet, the serving of yogurt will likely have a slower glycemic response than the milk, because it is thicker and takes a bit longer to digest.

Dr. Sears has listed milk and lowfat/nonfat dairy products as "favorable" products, and in some books you will even find a glass of milk and 6 almonds listed as a zoned snack. I think that you will find a little more debate in the forums regarding this, because some people have different carbohydrate tolerances and just can't handle the milk due to its liquid state. But, if you don't have any particular carbohydrate intolerances, then milk may not be an issue for you.

Also, some people just don't drink milk due to their personal beliefs or preferences, but many of those reasons are not really a part of the Zone philosophy. (I am a Wisconsin gal, and so I will definitely take my dairy!!)

Larry.... The amount of whey protein must also be considered. Dr. Sears Zone bars contain a protein blend that does include whey. The key is combining the protein with carbohydrates and fats that offers a balanced approach to P/C/F. Zone Labs estimates the glycemic index of the bars to be in the high 30’s.
The bars may not work for everyone, look at the time, consume a bar and you should have 2-3 hours of mental focus, physical energy and no cravings.
For those sensitive to dairy, grains and soy may do best on the Paleo-Zone. Consuming only those foods that were available 10,000 years ago.

I think because of the processing of dairy including Pasteurization affects the quality of modern dairy.
Not the least of which the fact that most, if not all commercial big-Agra cows are Grain-Fed increasing the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ration in the dairy and meat products, and other.. let alone hormones, antibiotics, on and on and on...
Now add to the fact that the grain they are fed is most likely GMO, ....
And you see why though real, paleo times dairy might not have been harmful, today, a completely different story.
It also affects the CLA, et. al. etc.
We have cut down on dairy a little, but we still do not completely abstain, nor are completely Au Natural.
.
BUT, we do get grass-fed meat, raw milk from grass-fed cows, and unsalted butter from grass-fed cows (Kerry Gold, Organic Valley),
and the little cheese we do eat is our indulgence.
We also started again making our own yogurt, after a 12-15 year hiatus while raising 4 kids.
But now we use raw milk for our yogurt or at least buy organic like Stonyfields - which is a coop based farm supported.

thanks, everyone. Great information.

One more thought, if the whey/protein powder is made as minimally processed and from grass-fed, organic sources;
then it would be probably the better and a good choice over most commercial protein powders/products.
.
I do not know if the protein powder and protein based products (like the shake mixes) from/by Dr. Sears is from non-pastuerized, minimally processed, grass-fed, and organically sourced - but for the price, it should be...
.
Tech? Can you inform us of the quality of the source of Dr. Sears protein and protein based products like bars and shakes?

I will see what I can find John... Hope your trip to Asia goes well.

The Zone Labs Whey Protein Isolate is a highly purified source of Whey protein that utilizes the most technically advanced membrane processes available to produce extremely high levels (>90%) of un-denatured pure whey protein with exceptional nutritional attributes.

Whey is a complete protein, in that it contains all essential amino acids which are vital in regards to metabolic support, enhanced immune function and good health. Our Whey Protein Isolate also contains the highest concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) found in nature. Branched chain amino acids are an important source of energy during exercise and play a key role in protein synthesis.

The Zone Labs Whey Protein Isolate is the purest form of protein, utilizing a 100% cross-flow, micro-filtrated protein extraction (ion-exchange), so the protein is un denatured (which means that all of the growth factors and… powerful immune-supporting protein fractions found in pure whey… such as immunoglobulins and lactoferrin... are intact and in high supply).

Thanks Tech!

FYI:
(one opinion)
Likewise, organic whey protein produced from grass-fed, non-hormonally treated cows that is minimally processed is also an assurance of purity. And whey protein, a by-product of milk and cheese, is often referred to as the gold standard of protein.
Whey protein powder is a very healthful supplement to your diet and an excellent source of protein.*
.
However, the source of the whey is of primary importance, as is the way it's processed.
Most commercial whey products are derived from pasteurized dairy and processed with heat and acid.
Many are also artificially sweetened. All of these factors render them completely useless from a health perspective.
Whey from organic grass-fed dairy, on the other hand, contains beneficial immuno components, including immunoglobins, bovine serum albomin, and lactoferins, in addition to all the key amino acids and other beneficial nutrients you typically get from a high quality whey protein.
.
Whey Protein Can Help Optimize Your Glutathione Production
You may have heard of glutathione, by many considered to be your body's most powerful antioxidant.* Glutathione is a tripeptide comprised of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine, and is found inside every single cell in your body.
It has the unique ability of maximizing the activity of all other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, and the fresh veggies and fruits you (hopefully) eat every day.*
It also removes toxins from your cells and protects you from the damaging effects of radiation, chemicals, and environmental pollutants.*
.
The optimal food source for maximizing your glutathione production is high quality grass-fed whey protein.
It provides all the key amino acids for glutathione production and contains a unique cysteine residue (glutamylcysteine) that is highly bioactive in its affinity for converting to glutathione. Furthermore, whey provides critical co-factors, which together help create the right metabolic environment for high glutathione activity.

As mentioned earlier, most commercial whey products contain whey protein derived from pasteurized, commercial dairy sources. Unfortunately, pasteurized milk is almost entirely devoid of these glutathione-producing compounds, so when selecting a whey product, I strongly recommend making sure your whey protein supplement has the following features:

- Whey is derived from grass-fed cows that are not treated with pesticides or hormones
- Cold processed, since heat destroys whey's fragile molecular structure
- Whey protein concentrate, not protein isolates
- Sweetened naturally, not artificially, and low in carbohydrates
- Highly digestible—look for medium chain fatty acids (MCTs), not long chain fatty acids

Larry,

On his web chat last night Dr.Sears talked about dairy and how it increases insulin production more than other proteins. The chat should be a ail able online in a couple days so you can hear the while thing. Re your qn about weight, anti- aging, etc, the best thing to do would be to take Omega Rx and Zone ployphenols (the EPA in fish oil dilutes the inflammation in your body), eat to keep insulin levels low to diminish inflammation, and add some extra monounsaturated fat to your meals and snacks to gain body fat.

Thanks, Sue. I'll look for that chat in a few days. I've started the fish oil and polyphenols.

Excellent.

Have a nice weekend!

I'd like to listen, as well.
Let us know when posted.
Meant to participate, but .... life ...