milk and cancer

[CJF]

how credible do you think those studies are linking dairy to prostate cancer?

I have no clue. What's ur guys take?

[ellencho]

Do a little research and see if the Masai tribes in Africa have a high incidence rate of prostate cancer. Their diet consists mostly of dairy.

[minbo]

I haven't heard of anyone postulating a direct link between milk and cancer. I thought that most of the concern was for the hormones and other chemicals that the dairy farmers use that leaches out into the milk?

[Unconcerned Citizen]

It could be due to residual hormones. In some countries, even dairy cows are fed a diet of artificial supplements to make them more productive.
I drink organic milk for the taste, but I've heard of studies saying it's better for you.

[.vhg//ALITA]

Usually organic stuff is better for you because without the hormones and pesticides it puts the food under "environmental stress", which makes it produce more antioxidants and nutrients.

At least, it's supposed to be true about produce.

[Dialectic]

There are a few issues around milk. Keep in mind, however, that the dairy lobby in America is VERY STRONG, so conclusions on the negative effects or milk are sparse and contentious.

1. You don't need milk. This is definitely true. The only two species on the planet who continue to drink milk after they're weaned are humans and the domesticated cat. They also drink another animal's milk to boot. This means you're drinking a bunch of crap you don't need made to help baby cows grow big by momma cows pumped with growth hormones. Also, due to the way calcium and phosphorus bond and are absorbed into the human body (I forget the details), I think you only actually absorb 2/5 or 3/5 the calcium in milk anyway. That said, when all the big white farmboys are huge, it might help to try and be huge anyway, even if it's actually not good for you.

2. Milk's been linked with allergies. Don't know the details, this is contentious, but I wouldn't be surprised.

3. Same with cancer.

Cut it out if it really bothers you. I still drink it with cereal, cookies, Oreos, and chocolate energy bars because it's delicious. I went a while without drinking it just for fun quite a few years ago, and nothing seemed to happen, but cereal sucked and my mom got mad at me and figured I stunted my growth (which I'm pretty certain I didn't 'cause I'm taller than my folks and am among the tallest in my extended family).

[SamuraiJack]

There are a few issues around milk. Keep in mind, however, that the dairy lobby in America is VERY STRONG, so conclusions on the negative effects or milk are sparse and contentious.

1. You don't need milk. This is definitely true. The only two species on the planet who continue to drink milk after they're weaned are humans and the domesticated cat. They also drink another animal's milk to boot. This means you're drinking a bunch of crap you don't need made to help baby cows grow big by momma cows pumped with growth hormones. Also, due to the way calcium and phosphorus bond and are absorbed into the human body (I forget the details), I think you only actually absorb 2/5 or 3/5 the calcium in milk anyway. That said, when all the big white farmboys are huge, it might help to try and be huge anyway, even if it's actually not good for you.

2. Milk's been linked with allergies. Don't know the details, this is contentious, but I wouldn't be surprised.

3. Same with cancer.

Cut it out if it really bothers you. I still drink it with cereal, cookies, Oreos, and chocolate energy bars because it's delicious. I went a while without drinking it just for fun quite a few years ago, and nothing seemed to happen, but cereal sucked and my mom got mad at me and figured I stunted my growth (which I'm pretty certain I didn't 'cause I'm taller than my folks and am among the tallest in my extended family).

I've heard the same thing before.

I'd say if you have kids, you should encourage them to drink milk up until they've finished growing.

For me, my lactose intolerance has finally started to kick in, so I don't drink it anymore.

[Unconcerned Citizen]

If you're not lactose intolerant, there's no reason to stop drinking it, though.
The ability to digest milk has historically been a real benefit. We may not be steppe nomads anymore, but it's still useful to have such a good source of protein and calcium.