General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Do Kids Really Need Milk with their Meal ? [View all]GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Most plants, besides their beneficial components, have other chemicals that evolved to prevent them from being consumed and are therefore toxic. They are at very low levels, but toxic none the less. As a person trained in science I well know that you can find studies that suggest a link to most every food we consume and cancer.
When there is a consensus or developing consensus that milk is unhealthy, like the consensus we now have on climate change, I will take it seriously. Until then, I will keep the studies in mind but consider them like the 'studies' and 'scientific proof' that can be found online disputing climate change.
We are able to do lot of very beneficial things that other mammals are not able to accomplish. That is not a justified reason to change behavior.
I was given an evolutionary gift that I am thankful for. Milk products have been part of healthy diets around the world for thousands of years in populations that consume way more dairy than my once a day intake.
I find it amusing how many people here are pushing soy milk. It reminds me of how we all switched to margarine and other hydrogenated oils when science suggested that butter and lard increased the risk for cardiovascular disease, which they indeed do. But turns out the hydrogenated oils were even worse. My ancestors evolved to handle dairy products. They never even saw soy beans.
At the end of the day something is going to get us all. I am fully aware that my consuming meat, alcohol, bread and lots of other things may well cut into my time here on earth. Or not. I may get hit by a car tomorrow.
But staying alive is not, in my opinion, a good reason to keep living.