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Is milk bad for you?

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Should we incorporate cow's milk into our diets?
Should we incorporate cow's milk into our diets?

Milk is a whole food which provides 18 out of 22 essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and protein. But unfortunately, approximately 75% of the world’s population isn’t able to break down lactose; a core ingredient in milk. 

And despite its benefits, milk may put you at risk for some conditions.

For example, research shows that countries with the lowest rates of dairy and calcium intake also have the lowest rates of osteoporosis. Besides this, there are other reasons why you should reconsider having milk and other forms of dairy in your diet

Why milk could be bad for you

  • It may cause acne

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that teenagers with acne are those who drink large amounts of low-fat or skim milk. A group of 225 teens aged 14 to 19 with both acne and no acne were used.

The amount of milk they included in their diet was monitored and after three 24-hour recall interviews, it was found that those with acne had a significantly higher amount of milk in their diet. 

  • It may increase the risk of cancer

Studies have found that excess calcium from milk and other foods may increase the risk of certain cancers and specifically, prostate cancer by 30-50% in men.

It was also found that sugars found naturally in milk may be linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer in women.

More research is needed, but current research finds that the growth hormones given to cows often contain high levels of chemicals that may increase the risk of developing these cancers.

  • It may trigger allergic reactions

Milk allergies are common in both adults and children. Including milk in your diet may trigger allergic reactions if you are sensitive to milk and milk products.

Symptoms may include wheezing, difficulty breathing, blood in stool, constipation, diarrhoea, and worsening skin conditions like eczema. Sensitivity to casein, a protein in milk, can cause other reactions, which include sinus congestion, skin rashes and migraines. 

  • It can raise bad cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol; good and bad.

If your body has an excess of bad cholesterol, your arteries could get blocked, increasing your risk of heart disease. Milk contains saturated and trans fats, both of which can increase levels of bad cholesterol in your body.

Drink this instead

If you can’t bear to swap to black coffee or weak tea, don’t worry. There are healthy milk alternatives you can try. 

  • Soy milk

Soy milk has a creamy, mild taste and similar nutritional values to cow’s milk. It’s made from whole soybeans or soy protein isolate. It’s a good source of protein, and vitamins B, D, and E. It should be used in moderation though, as it may cause digestive issues like bloating and gas.

  • Almond milk

With its sweet, nutty flavour, almond milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk. It’s low in calories, fat and carbohydrates, so it’s a great option if you’re watching your weight. The only downside is that it’s low in protein and contains a substance called phytic acid which may limit the absorption of zinc, calcium and iron in your body. 

  • Coconut milk

Coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconuts and water. It has a creamy, milk-like consistency and tastes sweet. It contains no protein and little to no carbohydrates. It does have lauric acid, which helps lower high blood pressure, and cholesterol, which improves heart health. Sip in moderation though, as it’s packed with medium-chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat.

Image credit: iStock

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