4 Pros and Cons of Drinking Milk

According to the guidelines issued by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), Americans should drink at least three cups of milk a day. Moreover, they recommend that consumers should drink low-fat and fat-free milk instead of other types. However, the effects of milk in children and adults are seen from two angles: the positive and negative implications. While drinking milk has been a common practice for decades, some studies also reveal that too much of milk in the body is not good. Let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of milk consumption.

List of Pros of Drinking Milk

1. Good Calcium Source
One of the good attributes about milk is that it is rich in calcium. Having said that, a person who drinks milk regularly ensures that there enough calcium goes inside the body. Calcium is good for the bones and teeth which makes it a healthy drink. Moreover, having sufficient calcium in the body helps in preventing the weakening of the bones and reducing the occurrence of osteoporosis. And although calcium is available from other sources like spinach and broccoli, more is needed to get the amount of calcium that comes from drinking milk.

2. Contains Other Minerals
Advocates for milk consumption posit that aside from calcium, milk also contains other nutrients such as phosphorus, protein, magnesium and potassium. These nutrients are needed by the body for healthier bones. Additionally, milk contains building blocks needed by the body to make new tissues and repair them as well. Apart from this, a study revealed that adults who do not get the recommended amount of calcium also lack around four to six key nutrients that body needs.

List of Cons of Drinking Milk

1. Affects Insulin Response
People who oppose the drinking of milk claim that it has a property that makes it highly insulinogenic, that is, it stimulates the body to produce insulin. Although this can either be a good or bad thing, opponents say that too much insulin in the body can also lead to acne. And if milk is consumed after a workout, insulin in the body may increase and it helps in the transportation of glycogen and protein. If weight loss is the reason for the workout, a person is not advised to drink milk since the spike of insulin can result to fat storage.

2. Potential Cancer Risks
Although advocates say that drinking milk can help prevent colorectal cancer, critics claim that there have also been implications of slightly high levels of a protein that is said to cause cancer growth, the IGF-1 or the Insulin-like Growth Factor. Since milk is a dairy product, opponents of milk consumption find it a potential cancer risk. And since milk is attributed to growth, that is why it is recommended for babies, it is also a growth stimulator of cancer.

The debate on the contentious effects of milk will remain to be a hot topic among supporters and critics. While it has benefits to the body, milk is not for everyone. It is important to monitor its effects on the body before making milk a part of the daily diet.