Is milk dangerous or not: scientists tell about the main warnings

Cow's milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, such as protein, calcium, B12, iodine, and a number of others. It can be very useful, but not for everyone, and only in certain quantities, as some studies confirm the occurrence of health problems after consuming this product.

According to BBC Future, the UK National Health Service recommends that children aged 1-3 years drink about 300 ml of milk daily for normal bone development. However, research results vary and contradict each other for adults.

In particular, a number of them have not confirmed a reduction in the risk of fractures in people who regularly drink milk, while some have found that it actually increases the likelihood of bone injuries.

Ian Givens, a food chain specialist at the University of Reading in England, emphasized that calcium is very important for bone development during adolescence. It is also indispensable for children and the elderly.

Another concern about drinking milk is that hormones get into it when pregnant cows are milked. One study linked this to the development of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer in humans. However, Laura Hernandez, a breastfeeding biology specialist at the University of Wisconsin in the United States, assured that this does not cause any problems, as the amount of hormones in milk is an acceptable amount.

In addition, according to some studies, there is also a link between milk consumption and heart disease due to its fat content. However, the fat content of whole milk is not that high, and even less so of alternative types.

According to Jyrki Virtanen, a nutritionist and epidemiologist at the University of Eastern Finland, only high milk consumption – about a liter a day – can be harmful, while no study has yet confirmed that moderate consumption can be harmful.

Moreover, even people with lactose intolerance can drink milk in small amounts. However, they can easily replace it with alternative types of milk – almond, soy, coconut, etc. According to experts, this is not a choice between good and bad at all, a person can simply look at what ingredients are contained in a particular drink and choose the most suitable one for themselves.

In particular, as Hernandez noted, people at increased risk of osteoporosis or heart disease can choose low-fat cow's milk, and those who are concerned about the environment can choose a drink whose production is associated with the least environmental impact.

Mr. Virtanen emphasized that it is not necessary to avoid milk, nor is it necessary to drink it. This drink can be safely replaced with other products, as there is no product that cannot be dispensed with.

Earlier, doctor and nutritionist Victoria Klyauz warned that if a person feels sick when drinking milk and dairy products, they need to make sure that they are the cause, and then solve the problem. However, if the suspicion is confirmed, it is worth removing such products from the diet.

A great alternative is plant milk. All types of this product are absolutely safe, as they are simply a squeeze of seeds, grains, and nuts, but you need to take into account certain tips to buy a really healthy one. The main advantages of such milk are the absence of lactose, casein, and cholesterol.