Published in The News Eagle (Wayne/Pike Counties, PA)
I recently had the eye-opening experience to hear "scientific sleuth" Robert Cohen speak at a vegetarian conference in Florida. Author of MILK: The Deadly Poison, Mr. Cohen has worked as a biological research scientist since the early 1970s. He’s a dynamic speaker, and I was inspired to immediately pick up a copy of this exhaustively researched book about the dangers of consuming milk and dairy products. Though some of the scientific jargon is tough to ingest, the book is pretty frightening and reads like a detective story.
I had given up milk and dairy products for ethical reasons having to do with the inhumane treatment of animals on factory farms. Though I was also aware of all the additives in today’s "pure" milk, I was not aware of just how potentially dangerous these products may be. But then it should really be no surprise once you consider the following facts:
Human beings are the only animals who choose to drink the milk of another species, and who continue to drink milk beyond babyhood. Most people can’t drink milk because it makes them ill (that says something about how "natural" it is). The milk of other species of mammals is specifically tailored to the requirements of that particular animal. Cow’s milk contains hormones, antibiotics, excessive amounts of protein, as well as blood and pus.
Ready to wipe that milk mustache off yet? PETA’s recent "Got Beer?" campaign incurred the wrath of MADD and others, but it also did what it was intended to do — draw attention to the subject of whether milk is really good for you. Why did PETA choose beer? The campaign was intended to be slightly amusing, I’m sure, but consider this: a 12-ounce glass of beer contains 144 calories and no fat, while a 12-ounce glass of milk contains 300 calories and 16 grams of fat. That should interest a society that has never been more overweight.
So how did we get into this habit of drinking milk? Historically, in pioneer days, milk was valued because it made butter, and butter fat was able to be stored and could help the settlers through harsh winters. But in modern times, keeping up the tradition of drinking milk has been a well-orchestrated campaign by the dairy industry, telling people that they NEED this product in order to be healthy. This is not true.
Of course, the most common argument I hear for drinking milk is, "Where else do you get your calcium from?" Dr. Robert Kradjian, breast-surgery chief at Seton Medical Center in California, answers in a letter to his patients, "From exactly the same place the cow gets calcium, from green things that grow in the ground," mainly leafy vegetables. (If you’re not a fan of leafy vegetables, there are numerous other natural food sources from which one obtains an adequate calcium intake.)
Drinking milk prevents osteoporosis? Interesting . . . since people who live affluent (mostly western) life styles, which include lots of dairy products, are the ones who suffer from this disease the most.
We have all been conditioned since childhood that milk is "nature’s perfect food," and we pass on to our children the marketed message that was passed on to us by our parents. But more and more doctors are questioning this message. Since I’m not a doctor or a scientist, I highly recommend that you read Robert Cohen’s book if you really want to learn more, or check out www.notmilk.com on the web. (You will find Dr. Krodjian’s lengthy and informative letter to his patients in both places.)
There’s really only one reason to use milk products — because you want to, because you like the taste. If you decide to give up milk, be assured there are lots of alternatives to put on your morning cereal, use in recipes, or enjoy with a cookie. Soy and rice milks in many varieties and flavors are easier than ever to find. Truly low in fat and good for you, most of them also taste good. Many are also labeled "calcium enriched." You may have to try out a few before you find the ones that suit your taste buds. I personally never liked the taste of milk but love the taste of certain brands of soy milk so much that I use more "milk" than ever.
I realize that giving up dairy products is not going to be for everyone and it may not be easy. But then, neither is giving up smoking. However, today’s smokers choose to smoke knowing full well they may be damaging their health — even the government has told them so. Dairy consumers should have the same option.
Return to Vegetarian: For Your Health, for the
Animals, for the Planet
by Teresa D'Amico