6 Reasons to Ditch Dairy

"You need milk to build stronger bones."

Most of us grew up believing this and many other "facts" that're now scientifically debunked. In this article, we look at various ways your life would improve if you ditch dairy and opt for plant-based alternatives.

1. Get flawless clear skin

Avoiding dairy can help improve your skin's texture and tone. It may also help clear your acne or rosacea. This is because whey, which is found in all dairy products, is pro-inflammatory. When you shift to plant-based milks, in 2-3 weeks you’ll start noticing that your skin's feeling more soft, smooth, and supple.

2. You may be allergic to it!

Dairy's one of the most common food allergens. Recently, researchers have discovered that both FPIES and EoE, two types of allergic conditions that impact our gastrointestinal tract, are present in dairy. Since both conditions tend to have delayed reactions, they’re hard to track and diagnose. You can prevent this by going dairy free!

In addition to this, 65% of the world’s population has some form of lactose intolerance. Human bodies are designed to “ween” away from milk by gradually reducing the production of lactase as we age. Lactase is an enzyme that helps us digest lactose. Plant-based milks don’t have lactose, and so you can enjoy your teas and coffees without any discomfort.

3. Prevent cancer

Various studies have shown a correlation between dairy consumption and certain types of ovarian and prostate cancers. One independent study showed that women who consumed 1 glass of cow milk daily had 32% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer as compared to women who consumed less than 3 glasses a month. Another study showed that men with high dairy intake in their diet were 2.2 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men with minimal dairy intake.

All animal-derived milks (organic and non-organic) contain various hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. It’s the presence of these hormones that're often attributed to the growth of such cancers. In comparison, since plant-based milks come from various plants, we can consume them without worrying about all those harmful hormones.

4. Build strong bones

Many believe that we drink milk because it has calcium, which helps us maintain our bone health. However, a recent study by Harvard sampled 78,000 nurses and showed that people who obtained their calcium from dairy were more prone to fractures than people who obtained the same amount of calcium from non-dairy sources.

5. Have a healthier heart

Cow milks contain higher levels of saturated fats. So, when you drink dairy milk, there's a spike in your LDL (bad) cholesterol. Research shows that cutting these saturated fats can reduce cholesterol by 5% to 10%. In comparison, since plant-based milks come from plants, they'll help keep your heart healthy!

Pic credit: Santuario Salvajes

6. Reduce animal abuse

Cows, like human mums, lactate only for a limited time after they've given birth. So, in order to ensure a constant supply of milk, cows have to keep giving birth. Three months after a calf is born, the cow is artificially inseminated again. This constant cycle of getting pregnant and giving births affects their longevity.

In addition to this, cows are social animals, much like dogs. They recognize families and are capable of cultivating and maintaining lifelong friendships. When the cows give birth, they're separated from their babies within 24 hours. People who live close to dairy farms have reported to hearing loud mournful cries for days as mother cows mourn this separation.

If the newborn calf's a female, she's given a shed and is offered grass and grains (since the milk's for the humans' consumption) until she's old enough to be inseminated. The male calves are either shot or sold to be used for veal or leather goods.

When you opt for plant-based milks, you help reduce the demand of animal-derived products, and can literally, help save lives. Check out #ditchdairy to discover reviews by the community.