Milk: health and risks

Milk is one of the most popular and abundant foods in the world, and its beneficial properties have been known for centuries. However, since the late 20th century, research has shown that the effects of cow's milk on human health are controversial.

Milk is believed to be a rich source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bone growth and normal functioning of the nervous system. However, compared to other foods such as broccoli or kale, the calcium content of milk is not significantly higher. In addition, a Harvard study found that increased consumption of milk or other dietary sources of calcium did not reduce the risk of bone fractures in women aged 34 to 59 years.

Moreover, studies have shown that in some people, cow's milk can cause certain forms of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases. However, it should be noted that these studies were conducted on a limited number of people, and additional studies are required to confirm these results.

On the other hand, medicinal and dietary products have been developed based on milk and dairy products, including children's products for sick and premature babies. These products were created by removing some of the lactose from the mixture, adding various additives such as hydrolyzed milk proteins, taurine, polyunsaturated fatty acids, selenium, iron and lysozyme, and by adding lactic acid bacteria such as acidophilus and bifidobacteria.

Some vegetarians and animal rights activists give up milk for a variety of reasons. For example, industrial milk production is based on the exploitation and oppression of animals, which results in animals being turned into “milk and meat production machines.” In addition, humans break natural bonds by removing a newborn calf from its mother immediately after birth, and dairy cows are slaughtered for beef after three years of milking, which does not correspond to their normal life expectancy of 25 years. Most of the calves obtained from dairy cows are slaughtered for veal 2-3 weeks after birth, and during this period they are not fed nutritious food to change the quality of the meat. In addition, dairy farms cause significant damage to the environment, as excessive amounts of manure pollute the water and soil, and tropical forests are cut down each year to feed livestock for pasture.

Some people also avoid milk due to an intolerance to milk sugar (lactose), which may be present from birth or acquired with age.

In light of all these factors, it is important to understand that milk has both positive and negative sides, and its consumption should be conscious and moderate. If you don't have problems with lactose intolerance, drinking milk and dairy products in moderation can be beneficial for your health. However, if you prefer not to consume milk for ethical or environmental reasons, there are many alternative products that you can use to get the nutrients you need.

In conclusion, milk is a food product that has both positive and negative sides. When choosing to consume milk and dairy products, you need to consider your personal factors, such as individual intolerances, as well as ethical and environmental considerations. Always follow the advice of nutritionists and consume milk and dairy products in moderation to get the full benefits.