First things first, I just need to say THIS ISN’T YOUR FAULT for falling into the marketing trap 🥛
We’ve been taught our whole lives that consuming milk and dairy is ESSENTIAL for strong bones and without it we will basically snap and shrivel up.
So OF COURSE we try to do our best.. 🐮
We add milk to our coffee, cook with cream, eat lots of cheese, yoghurt and more, but did you know this could actually be doing you more harm than good? 🥣
Studies show that the countries around the world who drink the most milk, also have the highest rates of bone fractures and osteoporosis.. 🌎
The dairy industry FUND opposing studies to encourage people to drink even more milk because it’s such a money-making industry.
Despite all the calcium that dairy contains, its high protein content can cause osteoporosis.
The reason is that when protein is digested, it increases the acidity of the blood.
The body then pulls calcium from the blood to neutralise the acid..
Not to mention baby calves being separated from their mums after just a day or two and being fed powdered milk so humans can drink it instead.
(imagine having your kid taken off you and there’s nothing you can do about it) 👶🏻
Lastly, cows are such large mammals compared to humans. I don’t believe goats or sheep’s milk would have the same impact (not saying that it’s any more ethical), but because cows are so large, their milk is designed to grow a calf into an 800kg animal as rapidly as possible 🐄
What does that do the human body?
People say it makes them feel strong, but what about cancer cells? It would make everything grow including our reproductive organs..
The females are then raised to be milk machines just like their mums, whilst the boys are sent for slaughter because we simply have no use for them except killing them for meat 🍖
How’s that for an industry..
Now, I’m not PERFECT.
I’m not 100% vegan.
I still might have cheese once a month as a treat or a smidge of dairy if someone else has cooked/I’m out for dinner and there is no other option.
But start trying out plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese, soy/coconut/cashew/macadamia/almond/oat milk, dairy-free yoghurt + more.
Every time you reach for food and drink, you have the option to contribute to a good cause or be part of the supply and demand chain… 🌱
Here is a basic milk comparison I have put together. These numbers could change slightly depending on what brand you buy.
It’s also important to note that most plant milks are fortified with calcium, B12 and vitamin D, so you’re not at all missing out on important nutrients by making the switch 💪🏽
My favourite is soy because it has the highest nutritional value and it is thick and creamy with a slightly sweet taste. I do mix it up and use coconut or oat in my smoothies, or sometimes almond if I feel like something light. Rice milk is my favourite on it’s own for a hot summers day. Another treat is VANILLA flavoured soy milk!
You see, we don’t need to harm others and kill our planet just to drink a glass of milk or add it to our coffee. There are so many alternatives these days that are much better for your health and that use our planets resources far more efficiently.
Further Reading
Scientists link drinking milk with Osteoporosis
Dairy Research – ‘Real’ Science or Marketing?
How Big Meat and Dairy Fund Misleading Health Research to Fatten Their Wallets
