Anaya Balkcom

The 90s had many trends, one of them being milk consumption. In 1993, the slogan “Got Milk?” was launched in a commercial using celebrities to advertise and sell milk consumption. However, decades later, the world is slowly swapping out real milk for plant-based substitutions, leaving customers with one question: why? 

Those who are in favor of dairy argue the fact that dairy provides several health benefits. Although, it’s time we discussed its health disadvantages and how it might affect us without our knowledge. According to aem.com, “The end product of all their hard work, dairy, actually contains 18 out of the 22 essential nutrients that are needed for life, and USDA recommends 2-3 servings of it a day.”

Even though it is said we receive most of our nutrients from milk, we must also discuss how it harms us. According to the National Institute and Digestive and Kidney Disease, “Experts estimate about 68 percent of the world’s population has lactose malabsorption.” In other words, lactose intolerance. 

To many, lactose intolerance can look like bloating and diarrhea, among other abdominal issues. However, that’s not the only form it takes. Healthline.com states, “Most evidence-based studies agree that acne can be irritated by dairy. What researchers are still figuring out is what the underlying connection is.” 

“Dairy cows are treated with artificial hormones that affect their milk supply. Researchers suggest that those hormones may throw your hormones off balance when you consume milk products. This could trigger acne.” As stated by healthline.com 

Although most people view dairy products as a tasty yet responsible treat, we should call attention to the true dangers of dairy. According to Pcrm.org, “Milk and other dairy products are the top sources of artery-clogging saturated fat in the American diet. Milk products also contain cholesterol. Diets high in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, which remains America’s top killer. Cheese is especially dangerous. Typical cheeses are 70 percent fat.” 

Additionally forksoverknives.com stated, “Milk and other dairy products are important vehicles for foodborne pathogens due to a variety of microorganisms they harbor. Even with modern sanitation requirements, including pasteurization and curing, outbreaks still occur, resulting in severe and sometimes even fatal outcomes.”

Plant-based milk substitutions come with a variety of benefits. For example, they’re lower in fat and calories, environmentally friendly, contains less sugar, and, most importantly, does not contain hormones. Plant-based milk substitutions also provide us with vitamins as well. For example, almond milk offers vitamin E and calcium, while Oat milk offers vitamins A and D.

Plant-based milk substitutions may offer fewer vitamins; in contrast, they also provide fewer health problems than cow’s milk. Plant-based milk also use less water when being made, as well as less land. Not only are plant-based milk substitutions good for our health, but for the environment too.

After reading this, you might think consuming cow’s milk is still the right option. Nevertheless, would you rather consume all the vitamins you need while aggravating your digestive tract? Or would you rather consume a plant-based substitution that won’t interfere with digestion and consume the remaining vitamins elsewhere? The choice is yours.