Is drinking milk healthy for humans?
@onecrazychica (55)
Canada
June 25, 2011 12:19pm CST
opponents of milk argue that it contributes to obesity, calcium deficiency, allergies, heart disease, cancer and other health ailments. They argue that claims of milks regarding benefits are merely advertising campaigns designed to promote dairy sales and that many other nutritious alternatives are out there that are better than milk. What do think is milk a better choice or NOT?
2 responses
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
25 Jun 11
Many of the claims that dairy products are healthy are certainly due to marketing methods which are extremely dubious and have been since before the Second World War in many countries.
There is no doubt that milk, cheese and butter are basically 'healthy' foods for most people but there are dangers which have only fairly recently become apparent in giving them to young children. Lactose intolerance is a genetically linked condition but it can be brought on by giving dairy products to children younger than about 18 months.
Cow's milk may be suitable for calves but it is certainly not suitable for young humans or cats of any age. Otherwise, it is a very good source of protein, calcium and Vitamin D which should certainly not be removed from the diet if the person can deal with lactose. As with all foods, however, it should be eaten in moderation. Too much milk (or butter or cheese) is definitely not a good thing.
Of course the dairy producers want us to drink more milk. Because they kill calves, especially bull calves, before the mothers have stopped producing milk (and also because cows are bred to produce more milk) they have a surplus which needs a market.
