Other The Best Milk? Milk And You?

• Whether you drink cow/goat/soy/etc milk
  
• Does it do anything wrong to you
  
• If you think it's doing anything wrong to you
  
• If you even drink milk
  
• Favorite type of milk and why
  

• What are the benefits/negatives of the different types of milk
  
• Why are we encouraged to drink milk so much in the first place
  

PicaPirate said:

I like Hemp milk. Lasts long, provides a lot and good for veggies sick of soya.

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Lucem said:

I've been in a love-hate relationship with milk since I first came into this world. The taste is refreshing and even the milky white is pleasant to simply look at for some reason. I have tasted all kinds from goat to your commercially produced chocolate and strawberry, the latter my favorite of all the artificial flavors due to its coloring and lack of an overwhelming taste that I associate with the former. I've even made milk straight from almonds and coconut, which I highly recommend doing if you're looking to have a wild Saturday night, such as myself. It is a beverage I'm quite of, rivaling my love for tea and ordinary tap water.


Here is where the "hate" begins to surface. As much as I appreciate milk, its humble origins, and the generous supply of calcium that it provides, there comes a point where you simply can't stand it. After drinking so much, the taste becomes off-putting and it leaves the stomach in great pain. Excessive drinking can lead to many health issues, some of which include increased risk of heart disease from a significant rise in cholesterol and even cancers that include, but are not limited to, Breast, Prostate, and even in the reproductive system. This applies to all dairy products, but I'll stick with milk for now. If you're looking to get into cheeses, butter, and yogurt, we can move that to another thread.


It is common for most people to say that milk strengthens the bones, but clinical research has shown that there is actually no benefit, at least for the milk you can purchase from your local grocery store. In regards to Vitamin D, which many get their daily intake of in the form of our pearly, liquid friend, it is more advantageous to obtain it from a natural source like sunlight. These are a few misconceptions and are further observable in the depictions of young children drinking milk, the reality being that early consumption can lead to an increased risk in diabetes. Of course, this applies only to the milk provided by cows, all other forms being relatively safe, breast milk actually being the most beneficial health-wise, regardless of age.


Now, with all that's been said, milk may seem a bit intimidating and you might feel the unpleasant bubbling in your stomach before even pouring a glass, but it's important to know that there are still many positives that come along with the negatives. I highly recommend avoiding milk that comes from cows, being that the food that they are being given isn't entirely proper and there has been an issue with animal hormones, as you mentioned, the situation mimicking what is currently going on with chickens and other processed livestock. There are still several other ways to enjoy milk and each alternative comes with a new set of benefits to meet the needs of the consumer without the intervention of large industries.


Coconut Milk: Like most on this list, coconut milk provides a good supply of calcium, but also carries iron, sodium, potassium, and other essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers. If calcium is a big part of why you take in ordinary milk, this alternative actually has a richer amount. The contents also aid in preventing skin and liver disease, promoting a healthy body. It is an easy method to obtain a recommended blood cholesterol level and assists with weight management. Coconut milk is also a surprisingly decent substitute for vegetable oil or anything else you depend on for solid fats.


Almond Milk: A good source of protein, albeit with a lower percentage than cow milk, and low in calories, Almond milk provides an increase in energy and prevents many cases of heart disease. This mostly stems from its lack of saturated fats and cholesterol, meaning that those who are intolerant can enjoy this product without issue. Problems with digestion can also be resolved thanks to its tendency to increase beneficial bacteria in the stomach. If the flavor isn't to your liking, there is a rather good variety, one of my favorite being vanilla.


It should be noted for young children that rely on protein that almond milk is not a good replacement for breast milk, since the low amounts can be insufficient. However, for adults and all those over the age of three, feel free to enjoy what this healthy alternative has to offer.


Goat's Milk: For those with iron deficiency, this is recommended, since the levels are quite high. Health problems such as bone softening, anemia, and digestive issues are also aided by this option, although the latter does not pertain to those that are Lactose Intolerant. If the presence of fats are an issue, milk from a goat has less than that of a regular cow and can even strengthen the immune system.


It is greatly encouraged to refrain from giving this to infants, as allergic reactions tend to occur and there are known to be certain abnormalities, particularly those with electrolytes. Like with the former alternative, this should be perfectly safe for those of an older age, but those that are not are definitely at a greater risk.


Soy Milk: Like with almond milk, soy is an option geared towards those that cannot consume regular dairy products. A rise in good cholesterol has also been associated with soy milk and those seeking help in the area of weight loss are advised to give it a try. If the risks listed earlier are concerning, soy milk would likely be an assuring choice, given that is known to prevent prostate cancer and Osteoporosis. Similar to a few others on the list, there is less protein and even calcium here than in cow's milk, but there is an additional lack of saturated fat and bad cholesterol.


For those who suffer from Gout and similar diseases, it is recommended that soy milk be digested in moderation, since it is rich in purine.


Organic Milk: If the idea of drinking anything other from a cow isn't very appealing, organic milk may be the best fit. Unlike those that are treated with growth hormones, organic milk come from naturally raised cattle that are allowed to graze as they please or sometimes given an alternative, organic feed. This milk tends to contain beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. While the price is often double that of regular milk, it is a great option for those who are concerned about their health and are interested in promoting the care of cows that are associated with organic products. You can trust me on this. I'm from Texas.


As for why we drink milk in the first place or who the first person was to squeeze it out, then proceeding to drink the strange substance, I can't be certain. However, I personally believe that like all predators, humans seek to gain nutrition from other forms of life that we consider to be our prey. We cook the meat, skin the hides, use horns and such for other purposes. Nothing is wasted and I think that is one of the reasons we drink milk. There is something within our prey that can offer nutrition and we are drawn towards that. It does seem strange at first, but given that we are mammals, we usually get our first experience from our parent, just like calves themselves. Thinking about it, the same should apply between us and other animals. It is a relationship where we see what we want and seize it. Many members of different species, such as chimps, are known to provide milk to others and I think the same can be applied here, but we do so in a more organized fashion and on a larger scale.


Overall, I think milk is good, but like with everything else in this world, moderation is key.


On a more personal level, I just buy the cheap, generic milk with a black label. If my body doesn't violently reject it, I classify it as good enough. Milk is milk.

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