b. We've all seen the many milk ads featuring celebrities and their milk-mustaches. This is thought to be one of the most successful ad campaigns of all time. These ads praise milk for being an excellent source of calcium, the best protection against osteoporosis, or loss of bone density. The National Dairy Council is happy to sponsor these ads, as of course they increase the sales of their products. However, contrary to their claims, drinking cow's milk is one of the least effective ways to strengthen bones. Too much protein, such as the animal protein found in both meat and dairy products, actually causes the body to lose calcium. It has been found that in countries where calcium intake is low but protein intake is also very low, osteoporosis is almost nonexistent. Broccoli, kale, tofu, and soy milk are only a few examples of excellent sources of calcium.
c. Let's also stop and question the practice of drinking cow's milk altogether. Cow's milk is suited to the nutritional needs of calves, who eventually grow 4 stomachs and reach 300 pounds within a year, hardly comparable to a human baby. Is it any wonder, then, that dairy products have been found to contribute so strongly to obesity and heart disease? We are the only species that drinks milk beyond infancy, which might help to explain why most people over the age of 4 develop the inability to digest the carbohydrate lactose found in milk.
d. It has been proven, according to John Robbins' international bestseller, Diet For A New America, that the higher the consumption of animal fat, the higher the incidence of all types of cancers.
e. Additionally, there is also an argument regarding pesticides that are not only fed to animals, but are found in plant products as well. However, it is a fact that by far the highest residues of pesticides are found in meat products. Dairy products are a close second. And to completely remedy the far smaller amount of pesticide residues found in our produce, we should choose to eat only organic products, which use absolutely no artificial pesticides, chemicals, or hormones.