From an early age, our parents and family physicians always told us to drink milk. “Milk makes your bones and teeth strong!” “Milk is a great source of protein!” 

     But what if milk, the seemingly “golden” beverage, contains many hidden dangers?   

     Acne and face blemishes are key contributors to low self-esteem among teenagers. Recently, researchers have examined the ever-so-present connection between milk consumption and pimples. Multiple studies have proven that milk hormones trigger oils in the skin to produce the dreaded red bumps. 

     Yet, much below the surface of our skin, overconsumption of milk and dairy products lead to even more life-threatening health issues.

     Milk is the top source of saturated fat in the American diet. According to PETA, a single serving of whole milk can contain 20% of the recommended daily allowance of saturated fat— not even including the cheesy pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream you will eat for lunch later that day.  

     Along with saturated fat, milk and other dairy products such as butter, yogurt, and ice cream contain significant amounts of cholesterol and sodium. Poor diets consisting of foods with all of these factors substantially increase the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. 

     So, why do we continue to stock our refrigerators with cartons of a liquid that’s slowly killing us?

     From the smiling red cow on a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese to the seemingly replenishing splash of milk on a package of Oreos, the dairy industry infamously fools consumers using false advertisements. Professionals provide the public with inaccurate “truths” regarding our health AND animals’ health. 

     The current culture views cows as a commodity; their sole purpose is the production of chocolate chip cookies’ beloved comrade. Facilities torture cows through branding, dehorning, and tail docking. The cycle of separation and exploitation of cows remains in a steady equilibrium as consumers continue to sweep dairy products off the shelves. 

     Thus, cow’s milk is not good for anyone except the deceitful and sly organizations profiting from medical decline and animal cruelty. Companies lure milk-drinkers into buying the white liquid poison by using cartoons of “happy” cows and too-good-to-be-true nutrition facts. They are quite literally milking us for all we are worth.

     The next time you accompany your dense chocolate cake with a refreshing glass of milk or you drown your Fruity Pebbles in the not-so “golden” beverage, just remember the undercover hazards the media seeks to conceal. Instead of reaching for a classic carton of cow’s milk, try opting for a plant-based alternative such as almond or oat milk. Connections between excellent health and plant-based diets populate conclusions of modern studies. Scientists plan to continue researching the benefits of milk alternatives as new information is ongoing. 

     Still, we must be aware of the vulnerabilities milk and other dairy products present. So don’t make anymore MILKstakes; start treating yourself and cows right!