Published By: Sougata Dutta

Is Dairy Good For You?

Advantages and disadvantages of Having milk

 

India is the largest producer of milk. A significant portion of milk produced in India is utilized for the production of traditional Indian dairy products. However, scientific evidence on whether dairy is healthy or harmful is mixed and there is more complexity behind these labels. 

 

Good Things About Dairy

Milk and dairy products are highly nutritious that provide many advantages. It contains essential nutrients, vitamins, calcium, minerals, zinc, magnesium, etc. Many brands of milk are fortified with vitamin D, and now some yogurt manufacturers are joining them. Consuming milk and dairy products is associated with lower blood pressure. Besides, when low-fat dairy foods are combined with a high intake of vegetables and fruits. Calcium has been suspected of having an effect on blood pressure. But the Spanish researchers found that only calcium from low-fat dairy products can cause a lower blood pressure risk. They suggested that this could have something to do with the proteins found in low fat dairy. Besides that, it's very helpful to protect against tooth decay, dairy products can reduce oral acidity which causes decay, stimulates saliva flow, and reduce the incidence of dental caries. 

Despite all of these good things, there are some harmful effects of dairy as well:

 

Disadvantages of consuming milk Dairy products

Dairy products are foods produced from animal milk, most commonly from cows, while dairy alternatives are made from plant-based milk. Dairy products are a good source of nutrition. However, cow’s milk is the most common food allergen in infants and young children, and the allergy may persist into adulthood. Besides that, When you stop taking dairy products, you also lower your risk of several diseases. Studies have shown a definitive link between dairy intake and a lower incidence of bone fracture. Besides that, increased cancer risk is another top reason to avoid dairy. It has been linked to breast and some other hormonal, such as prostate cancer. Researchers found that consuming one or more servings of high-fat dairy daily raised the mortality risk by 49% compared with those women who consumed less than half a serving a day. 

Several other studies show that dairy products may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as well. Dairy terms are also air pollutants, producing cow's milk contributes 38% of greenhouse gasses. Rising dairy cows use more greenhouse gasses and water than producing most plant-based milk, scientists say.