Some claim that drinking the milk of other animals—or drinking milk beyond infancy—is both unnatural and unhealthy. How do the arguments for and against consuming milk stack up?
I recently got a note from Diane, who was upset with me for supporting the consumption of dairy products.
“No human should be consuming milk after they've been weaned from their mother's breast,” she wrote. “It is completely unnatural. Cow’s milk is intended only for baby cows—and it’s cruel to take the milk away from the calves for whom it is clearly intended. Need calcium? Milk, which may contribute to osteoporosis and numerous other health issues, is the last place you should be getting it.”
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Before I respond to Diane’s remarks, I just want to repeat something I’ve said many times before: Drinking milk is not necessary for good nutrition (or strong bones) and I completely support anyone who decides for whatever reason that they don’t want to consume it. If you’ve decided you don’t want to drink milk, I am not going to try to talk you into it.
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