I hate to burst your bubble, guys. But milk is actually not the best thing for humans. I know, I know, you see those ads on TV and in magazines that say "Got Milk?" and explain how it's so wonderful for the bones and the skin and whatever else they decide it's good for. But have you ever stopped to think about where it comes from? Cows. So why would cow milk be good for humans? Cows are bigger and use a much larger amount of calcium and vitamins that we do, and the calcium and vitamins in cow milk is meant for cows. Not for humans. Humans produce their own milk, and we are naturally lactose intolerant. The only reason we drink cow's milk as we grow older is because we make ourselves immune to it.

It's really not that good for you either. The calcium that comes in cow's milk (as opposed to human breast milk) actually blocks a lot of the vitamins that our human bodies need. Why do you think they add Vitamin D and other vitamins to the milk?

You're probably thinking that I have some sort of grudge against dairy farmers and if I don't like milk than no one should. Not true! I used to LOVE milk. Drank it all the time. I don't have any sort of grudge against it. And my grandparents used to own cows on their farm. But when I found out that it actually harms more than it helps, I've stopped drinking it (though I do still eat cheese and ice cream...can't quite give those up yet!). And I do have some scientific research to back me up as well.

A study done by Cornell nutritionist Dr. Amy Joy Lanau, PhD. states that even though the United States drinks the most milk out of any other country in the world, we also have the highest osteoporosis and bone fraction rates out of any other country. The calcium in cow's milk is really not proven to strengthen bones in children or adults; it's closer to say that the Vitamin D that is added to milk actually helps bone density. Dr. Lanau also says that the calcium in cow's milk interferes with absorbing real human calcium and that calcium from vegetables such as kale or broccoli is much better for us and our bodies absorb it better.

Evidence has also shown that consuming cow's milk actually causes obesity, ear infections, constipation, respiratory problems, heart disease, and in some cases, even cancer. It does not help prevent osteoporosis; a good way to do so is to eat more fruits and veggies and get a decent amount of exercise. Milk contains a high amount of cholesterol and saturated fat...does that sound healthy to you? Both of which contribute to obesity and heart disease. Milk has also been related to prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer, thanks to a compound found in cow's milk called IGF-I, which is no good for humans. Another item in cow's milk called galactose, which is a dairy sugar, may be toxic to ovarian cells. Research has shown that 73% of women who drink milk daily are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer than women who don't drink milk.

Going back to Vitamin D....you don't need to drink milk to get Vitamin D. Especially since it is usually added to milk and not a natural ingredient. Vitamin D comes from the sun! Spend 5-10 minutes soaking up some sun, and you'll have all the Vitamin D you need! Don't stay out too long, though, you don't want to get sunburned...If you don't want to risk being a lobster, then just eat plenty of grains, cereals, breads, or drink some OJ, all of which contain this essential vitamin.

While you're thinking about where milk comes from (cows), also think about what they eat. Whatever cows eat, ends up in their milk. Their diets may include pesticides from the grass and plants that are given to them by the farmers. The farmers may also give them growth hormones and possibly even some sort of medicine if they are sick. All of this has shown up in milk. Not good. These bad things can go so far as to affect your central nervous system and again, cause cancer.

Milk isn't good for children either. All these saturated fats and cholesterol could lead to children's obesity and even diabetes as they get older. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends NOT feeding milk to your children. Milk causes colic and an iron deficiency. Even if the mother consumes cow's milk, it could affect her child if the child is breastfed. Any bad thing from cow's milk (anything that I've already mentioned) can pass through her bloodstream and into her breast milk, and therefore into her baby.

All of these facts I gleaned from different physicians and nutritionists. Doctors. Telling us not to drink milk. So what's the attraction? Good question. There are so many other ways you can get any nutrient that you need by not drinking milk. Calcium, Vitamin D, protein, etc, all are available in other forms, such as vegetables, legumes, grains, and juices. And they come with other nutrients as well which fortify the calcium, such as magnesium, which helps the calcium build bones. A great way to strengthen your bones is exercise! People who sit around all day lose calcium.

I don't mean to be Anti-American or anti-anything. I know milk and dairy products are a huge income for many families in the States. And I love them. I just want people to be aware that they are not quite as healthy as they are made out to be. Continue to drink milk, but drink it because you want to and because you like it, not because you are told that it is healthy.