Milk and other dairy products are a major source of saturated fat in the Western diet, which increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
Dairy consumption is also associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Cheese is particularly high in fat, with typical varieties containing 70% fat.
Many people become lactose intolerant as they age, affecting up to 95% of Asian Americans, 74% of Native Americans, 70% of African Americans, 53% of Mexican Americans, and 15% of Caucasians. Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhoea, and wind.
Contrary to popular belief, dairy products have little or no benefit for bone health. Studies have shown no link between dairy intake and broken bones or fractures.
In fact, the more milk men consume during adolescence, the more bone fractures they are likely to experience as adults. Building strong bones can be achieved through a plant-based diet.
High-fat content and hormones in milk, cheese, and other dairy products have been linked to breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. A low-fat diet has been found to lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death by up to 23% and 17%, respectively.
A 2017 study funded by the National Cancer Institute found that women who consumed high-fat dairy products had a 53% higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Additionally, regular consumption of dairy products has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, avoiding dairy products and eating a plant-based diet may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 35%.
Overall, reducing or eliminating dairy consumption can have significant health benefits, particularly for heart and bone health, as well as reducing the risk of certain cancers.
A plant-based diet can provide all the nutrients necessary for optimal health, without the negative effects of dairy.