This week Starbucks added coconut milk, another dairy milk substitute, to its menu in response to requests for more non-dairy alternatives from customers. These requests reflect the growing popularity of plant-based milks in the United States. A Washington Post article published in September reported that sales of dairy alternatives have risen 30% since 2011 while the sales of all milk have risen only 1.8%.
The National Dairy Council claims that dairy can make your bones stronger, “improve overall nutrient intake and reduce the risk of various chronic diseases.” Some studies, however, have shown that these benefits may not hold true, and the recent increase in popularity of dairy alternatives suggests that Americans may be questioning the benefits of milk. Below are some of the arguments people are making against cow’s milk.
1. Many people are lactose intolerant
According the U.S National Library of Medicine, 65% of the world’s adults can’t digest milk properly. Symptoms of intolerance can include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas and nausea. People can become accustomed to these symptoms if they aren’t very severe, but this does not mean that their bodies are not being harmed. Continually eating something that your immune system can not handle such as dairy can lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis and more.
2. It may not cause strong bones
Milk is often touted as the key to strong bones because it contains calcium and vitamin D. John McDougall, “a physician and expert in nutrition” cites studies in his March 2007 newsletter explaining that populations of people who consume greater amounts of animal protein (including dairy products) have higher rates of osteoporosis. While the United States consumes some of the the highest amounts of animal protein per day, we also have some of the highest rates of fractures. In addition, there may not be clear ties between calcium and fractures. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition from 2007 did not find any association between hip fractures and calcium supplementation.
3. It promotes acne
A study done in 2006 looked at a group of girls between the ages of nine and fifteen and found that those who drank two or more glasses of milk (no matter the fat content) each day in comparison to those who had less than one glass had 20% to 30% more acne.
4. It has been linked to increased rates of cancer
Dairy consumption has been linked to higher risks of prostate cancer and ovarian cancer. Dr. T. Colin Campbell has completed studies which show that casein, which makes up the majority of cow’s milk, can create and promote cancer. Yes, many may respond to this by saying that supposedly everything causes cancer these days, but in regards to diet, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole-grains have not been linked to cancer.
The amount of conflicting nutrition information and claims being made can make it challenging to know what exactly we should be eating. If you are unsure about the claims against milk you could always attempt removing it from your diet for a period of time and see what, if any, effects it has.
Have you taken dairy out of your diet? Share your experiences with us!
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