Are Dairy Products Harmful ?
There is no particular answer to this question whether dairy products are harmful because the answer may vary from person to person. While some people may point out the disadvantages and harmful effects of these products on our health, others might disagree and tell you the advantages and claim how essential these products are for our bodies. Dairy can’t be easily categorized as healthy or unhealthy because it’s effects vary between individuals. Some organizations claim they are very essential for your bones while some argue it’s harmful and should be avoided. Of course, not all dairy products are the same, their effects on your health may vary from person to person and depends upon the quality of the product, how the milk giving animals were raised and the way the dairy was processed. This topic has been a part of debate since a very long time and still people keep coming up with new facts and points to win the argument but there is no such evidence which exactly confirms whether these dairy products are essential or harmful.
Most Commonly Debated Argument
The most common argument against dairy products is that it is unnatural to consume them. Humans are the only species to consume milk in adulthood and the only ones to consume milk of other animals as well. Biologically, cow’s milk is meant to feed a rapidly growing calf and humans aren’t calves. Then what is the need for an adult human to consume milk that too of other animals? Before the agricultural revolution, humans only drank mother’s milk as infants. There is no evidence that they consumed dairy products as adults. This is one of the reasons why dairy is excluded from a strict paleo diet.
Health Benefits Of Dairy Products
Consuming dairy products provides a lot of health benefits, especially improving bone health. Dairy products are very nutritious and should be a very important part of our diet. Consuming them provides us with nutrients that are vital for health and maintenance of our body. Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin D and Protein are some of the most important nutrients that it provides. Intake of dairy products that contain Calcium is very important as it is used for building bones and teeth. The intake of dairy products is specially important to bone health during childhood and adolescence, when bone mass is being built.
Harmful Effects Of Dairy Products On Our Health
In America milk and other dairy products are the top source of saturated fat in their diet contributing to heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have also found that consumption of dairy products linked to increased risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.
1.Bone health
Research shows that dairy products have little or no benefit on bone health and most studies fail to show any link between dairy intake and broken bones, or fractures.
2.Cancer
Regular consumption of dairy products has been linked to prostate cancer and is also associated with the risk of lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer in people with lactose intolerance.
3.Lactose Intolerance
The inability to digest the sugar (lactose) found in breast milk or dairy products. Lactose intolerance is usually by a deficiency of an enzyme in the body called lactase. It is very common, in India there are more than 10 million cases per year. Symptoms – abdominal cramps, diarrhea and bloating.
4.Heart Disease
Milk products contain cholesterol. Diets high in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease. Cheese is especially dangerous because they contain a lot of fat. Typical cheeses are 70% fat.
5.Skin Trouble
Dairy products according to studies have shown the stimulated production of insulin and protein IGF-1 which might be the reason behind acne.
Let’s See The Advantages Of Dairy Products:-
Nutrient Content
There is no denial that Dairy Products are extremely Nutritious. It’s a complete package of all the required nutrients.
A cup of milk (237ml) contains the following:-
Calcium: 276 mg — 28% of the RDI
Vitamin D: 24% of the RDI
Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 26% of the RDI
Vitamin B12: 18% of the RDI
Potassium: 10% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 22% of the RDI
It is also studied that Milk stimulates the production of Vitamin A,Vitamins B1 and B6, selenium, zinc and magnesium, along with 146 calories, 8 grams of fat,protein respectively and 13 grams of carbs as well.
Reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes
In an observational study, the people who consumed the most full-fat dairy had less belly fat, reduced inflammation, reduced triglycerides levels, improved insulin sensitivity and risk of type 2 diabetes reduced to 62%.
The Best Pick
Did you know that the best dairy products are the ones that are produced by cows who are fed properly, like those who are grass fed or raised on pasture.It is found that they tend to produce products of better nutrients index,which includes healthy fatty acids, vitamins which are fat soluble especially Vitamin K2. The Dairy Products which are fermented like yoghurt have better results due to the presence of probiotic bacteria which have several health benefits.
Written By- Rituja Roy
Edited By- Priyanka Sukhwani
Well written😇🔥🔥