Other The Best Milk? Milk And You?

[White Masquerade]

Milk And You

Hello all. Not brands of milk, but types. From what I've read online (which shouldn't be trusted), cow's milk is perfectly fine to drink. It strikes me as odd though, that we're the only ones drinking other animals' milk, so I am suspicious of that.


What I'd be interested to hear

• Whether you drink cow/goat/soy/etc milk
  
• Does it do anything wrong to you
  
• If you think it's doing anything wrong to you
  
• If you even drink milk
  
• Favorite type of milk and why
  

For those who are somewhat knowledgeable in this:

• What are the benefits/negatives of the different types of milk
  
• Why are we encouraged to drink milk so much in the first place
  

As for myself, I don't know much about milk, but think cow's milk especially, is bad with all this hormone stuff going into their system. I would assume soy or almond milk would be the way to go for milk-drinkers.


Is it all just a lie? Is any milk okay? Is everything just being blown out of proportion?

 

[Lucem]

I've been in a love-hate relationship with milk since I first came into this world. The taste is refreshing and even the milky white is pleasant to simply look at for some reason. I have tasted all kinds from goat to your commercially produced chocolate and strawberry, the latter my favorite of all the artificial flavors due to its coloring and lack of an overwhelming taste that I associate with the former. I've even made milk straight from almonds and coconut, which I highly recommend doing if you're looking to have a wild Saturday night, such as myself. It is a beverage I'm quite of, rivaling my love for tea and ordinary tap water.


Here is where the "hate" begins to surface. As much as I appreciate milk, its humble origins, and the generous supply of calcium that it provides, there comes a point where you simply can't stand it. After drinking so much, the taste becomes off-putting and it leaves the stomach in great pain. Excessive drinking can lead to many health issues, some of which include increased risk of heart disease from a significant rise in cholesterol and even cancers that include, but are not limited to, Breast, Prostate, and even in the reproductive system. This applies to all dairy products, but I'll stick with milk for now. If you're looking to get into cheeses, butter, and yogurt, we can move that to another thread.


It is common for most people to say that milk strengthens the bones, but clinical research has shown that there is actually no benefit, at least for the milk you can purchase from your local grocery store. In regards to Vitamin D, which many get their daily intake of in the form of our pearly, liquid friend, it is more advantageous to obtain it from a natural source like sunlight. These are a few misconceptions and are further observable in the depictions of young children drinking milk, the reality being that early consumption can lead to an increased risk in diabetes. Of course, this applies only to the milk provided by cows, all other forms being relatively safe, breast milk actually being the most beneficial health-wise, regardless of age.


Now, with all that's been said, milk may seem a bit intimidating and you might feel the unpleasant bubbling in your stomach before even pouring a glass, but it's important to know that there are still many positives that come along with the negatives. I highly recommend avoiding milk that comes from cows, being that the food that they are being given isn't entirely proper and there has been an issue with animal hormones, as you mentioned, the situation mimicking what is currently going on with chickens and other processed livestock. There are still several other ways to enjoy milk and each alternative comes with a new set of benefits to meet the needs of the consumer without the intervention of large industries.


Coconut Milk: Like most on this list, coconut milk provides a good supply of calcium, but also carries iron, sodium, potassium, and other essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers. If calcium is a big part of why you take in ordinary milk, this alternative actually has a richer amount. The contents also aid in preventing skin and liver disease, promoting a healthy body. It is an easy method to obtain a recommended blood cholesterol level and assists with weight management. Coconut milk is also a surprisingly decent substitute for vegetable oil or anything else you depend on for solid fats.


Almond Milk: A good source of protein, albeit with a lower percentage than cow milk, and low in calories, Almond milk provides an increase in energy and prevents many cases of heart disease. This mostly stems from its lack of saturated fats and cholesterol, meaning that those who are intolerant can enjoy this product without issue. Problems with digestion can also be resolved thanks to its tendency to increase beneficial bacteria in the stomach. If the flavor isn't to your liking, there is a rather good variety, one of my favorite being vanilla.


It should be noted for young children that rely on protein that almond milk is not a good replacement for breast milk, since the low amounts can be insufficient. However, for adults and all those over the age of three, feel free to enjoy what this healthy alternative has to offer.


Goat's Milk: For those with iron deficiency, this is recommended, since the levels are quite high. Health problems such as bone softening, anemia, and digestive issues are also aided by this option, although the latter does not pertain to those that are Lactose Intolerant. If the presence of fats are an issue, milk from a goat has less than that of a regular cow and can even strengthen the immune system.


It is greatly encouraged to refrain from giving this to infants, as allergic reactions tend to occur and there are known to be certain abnormalities, particularly those with electrolytes. Like with the former alternative, this should be perfectly safe for those of an older age, but those that are not are definitely at a greater risk.


Soy Milk: Like with almond milk, soy is an option geared towards those that cannot consume regular dairy products. A rise in good cholesterol has also been associated with soy milk and those seeking help in the area of weight loss are advised to give it a try. If the risks listed earlier are concerning, soy milk would likely be an assuring choice, given that is known to prevent prostate cancer and Osteoporosis. Similar to a few others on the list, there is less protein and even calcium here than in cow's milk, but there is an additional lack of saturated fat and bad cholesterol.


For those who suffer from Gout and similar diseases, it is recommended that soy milk be digested in moderation, since it is rich in purine.


Organic Milk: If the idea of drinking anything other from a cow isn't very appealing, organic milk may be the best fit. Unlike those that are treated with growth hormones, organic milk come from naturally raised cattle that are allowed to graze as they please or sometimes given an alternative, organic feed. This milk tends to contain beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. While the price is often double that of regular milk, it is a great option for those who are concerned about their health and are interested in promoting the care of cows that are associated with organic products. You can trust me on this. I'm from Texas.


As for why we drink milk in the first place or who the first person was to squeeze it out, then proceeding to drink the strange substance, I can't be certain. However, I personally believe that like all predators, humans seek to gain nutrition from other forms of life that we consider to be our prey. We cook the meat, skin the hides, use horns and such for other purposes. Nothing is wasted and I think that is one of the reasons we drink milk. There is something within our prey that can offer nutrition and we are drawn towards that. It does seem strange at first, but given that we are mammals, we usually get our first experience from our parent, just like calves themselves. Thinking about it, the same should apply between us and other animals. It is a relationship where we see what we want and seize it. Many members of different species, such as chimps, are known to provide milk to others and I think the same can be applied here, but we do so in a more organized fashion and on a larger scale.


Overall, I think milk is good, but like with everything else in this world, moderation is key.


On a more personal level, I just buy the cheap, generic milk with a black label. If my body doesn't violently reject it, I classify it as good enough. Milk is milk.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

I don't usually like milk unless I am drinking it with cereal, sunny side up eggs, chocolate, peanut butter, or cookies. I've just never liked the taste--plus if I drink to much I get easily sick of it and will throw up. Therefore, I don't really have a particular favorite type of milk, but I tend to keep away from the ones that say 'low fat', which in my opinion tastes even worst. My mum tells me that's the reason I'm too short...though I insist it's genetics e.e.


I've never thought milk does anything wrong to me until reading your and Luce's post, but I do avoid drinking too much milk for fear of throwing up(I also have this problem with bananas). In addition, milk tends to make me full rather quickly--which means I eat less food when consuming milk.

 

[HanefiHan]

I'm more of a breast milk person .

 

[Pine]

Okay, so since Lucem covered a ludicrously amazing amount of information regarding milk... I'm just going to throw in a few slightly relative things.


First and foremost, I used to drink all the time, but after marching band and several hour practices in 100+ degree whether, I've erred away from drinking milk and turned to chugging water.


Still, when the going gets tough with the breakfast line and I need a quick substitute, I'll get cereal, and also when I indulge in chocolate chocolate chocolate cookies or something along those lines, I just get regular skim milk... because I really can't taste the difference between the milks so I may as well get skim.


(But let me stress that this is rare because those long exalted cookies are a rare find and I have a deep profound hatred for how cereal fills you up so much and then in the next hour or two I'm suddenly starving.)


As for what I know (or at least have heard) about milk and dairy products in regards to health...


It's highly unusual for humans to be able to consume milk past infancy.


Our natural state is actually to be lactose intolerant and it's a kind of genetic mutation that we're able to drink milk.


I would say that presumably this has developed about the same way that we can't eat raw meats, whereas other animals have an organ or something that breaks down that kind of bacteria that could in turn make us very sick.


I'd venture humans have been drinking milk for many, many, many, many... many, many, many... many years.


THEN AGAIN HUMANS ARE ALSO BORN PREMATURELY AND THAT'S WHY LIKE HORSES POP OUT OF THEIR MOTHERS AND HOP STRAIGHT TO PRANCING AROUND WHEREAS WE JUST DROOL EVERYWHERE AND POOP ALL OVER OURSELVES AND ARE ESSENTIALLY IMMOBILE


IT'S


WEIRD


HUMANS ARE WEIR D


But think of it this way, regarding drinking other animal milk as opposed to our own... well, just picture attempting to mass produce human milk, society's reaction to that aside.


What are you going to do, have women lined up to be milked?


It would also be tricky because from what I know, a woman would need to give birth first before they can even produce milk, then... wouldn't it have to be limited to that time where it would usually take for a kid to... not... need milk anymore... or whatever?


i think you get the point


we do god awful things to farm animals that would be "unimaginable" to do to humans


I mean... maybe it really isn't good for you, sure, hormone injection and what not is awful and all... but this isn't an isolated problem.


If you start to worry about this, then you'll end up worrying about almost everything you eat that you get from the store (barring the expensive organic variety).


Just, I mean... if you really get concerned about that kind of thing, one of the best things you can do is buy from local farms.


I heard in my environmental class last semester that a good amount of farms provide this sort of service thing where you can subscribe to the farms and they'll bring whatever you ordered or w/e to your door, which is also a good choice with regards to helping balance the economy a little.


it's just


a good idea


but obviously requires effort


BUT DON'T QUOTE ME ON ANY OF THIS BECAUSE I'M GOING OFF OF MY MEMORY AND THE WORLD IS FULL OF LIES

 

[White Masquerade]

Woah. Lots of good stuff to reply to O.o

 

[White Masquerade]

@HanefiHan


I'm not sure if you're being serious...


@Pine


Lol. Yeah, cereal used to trick me like that too. (You have to go for the grainy stuff. The kind of cereal that takes 2 hours to finish a bowl of. >.>. Raisin Bran, Kashi, Muesli etc; the list of edible cement goes on)


It's cool you brought up that bit about lactose intolerance, because I just became it myself! I'm glad to know its actually normal. And Pincecone, =P, no one is going to be mass-producing human milk anytime soon, haha. That'd be just creepy. I was thinking more along the lines of swapping what we have now out with milk made from plant sources like almond, coconut, or soy. That's got to be at least a bit better right for our health right? I agree when you say it's not isolated. I'm just going to cap it at milk and not move from there, so I can keep my sanity (can you believe what they do to pork!? That's another story.).


I will def try out the buying from local farms. That sounds really cool. Its the first time I've heard of it.


@QuirkyAngel


Heh, I'm with your mum on this (^.^). Though really, I hear it's getting a good night's sleep that makes you grow taller. As for the throwing up, I would say try another kind of milk and see if you do! It'd be a great chance to get to know your body Quirk. If I put my money on anything, it'd your insides are starting to burn out from cow milk. I made the switch to almond a while back after a long time of not drinking any, and haven't felt sick once.


@Lucem Tenebris


Let me just say, we are so on the same page. Vanilla Almond milk? Are you kidding me? I could take a picture of my carton and send it to you right now :5/5:. My favorite.


Now, you have A lot of good info. I took notes on it. Thank you. I never knew it went that deep. Making almond/coconut milk myself is something I will try too for sure. About the benefit of milk, I stumbled upon that too. A health nut friend of mine says its only popular and seen as essential because of the many vitamins manufacturers can pump into it. Like, milk was the only way a lot of people were able get their essential nutrients. Whether that's true, I don't know.


I love how you took time to break down the milk types! The characteristics of each are very easy to see and compare. Much appreciated. Judging off those, I would wager Coconut or Almond would be the way to go. Any type of animal milk should be out period. I feel you are correct that we try to make use of every part we have so there's no waste, but maybe we're mistaken on this one. No matter how I put it, drinking the milk of another species just doesn't make sense.


Thank you again for your answer! All of you!

 

[PicaPirate]

I like Hemp milk. Lasts long, provides a lot and good for veggies sick of soya.

 

[White Masquerade]

I like Hemp milk. Lasts long, provides a lot and good for veggies sick of soya.

Wow. They can make milk out of anything...this I did not know existed. O.o


When I think of hemp, I think rope and Mary J. Thank you! I haven't seen that around here, but maybe I wasn't looking hard enough. I will check it out.

 

[PicaPirate]

No worries I also like cow juice, but hemp is one for the better and (tasty) alternatives that are lesser known but relatively cheap.

 

[Sen Pai]

Milk make tummy sad :'(

 

[Life.]

I can't drink milk. I am lactose intolerant.

 

[Castello]

I've been in a love-hate relationship with milk since I first came into this world. The taste is refreshing and even the milky white is pleasant to simply look at for some reason. I have tasted all kinds from goat to your commercially produced chocolate and strawberry, the latter my favorite of all the artificial flavors due to its coloring and lack of an overwhelming taste that I associate with the former. I've even made milk straight from almonds and coconut, which I highly recommend doing if you're looking to have a wild Saturday night, such as myself. It is a beverage I'm quite of, rivaling my love for tea and ordinary tap water.


Here is where the "hate" begins to surface. As much as I appreciate milk, its humble origins, and the generous supply of calcium that it provides, there comes a point where you simply can't stand it. After drinking so much, the taste becomes off-putting and it leaves the stomach in great pain. Excessive drinking can lead to many health issues, some of which include increased risk of heart disease from a significant rise in cholesterol and even cancers that include, but are not limited to, Breast, Prostate, and even in the reproductive system. This applies to all dairy products, but I'll stick with milk for now. If you're looking to get into cheeses, butter, and yogurt, we can move that to another thread.


It is common for most people to say that milk strengthens the bones, but clinical research has shown that there is actually no benefit, at least for the milk you can purchase from your local grocery store. In regards to Vitamin D, which many get their daily intake of in the form of our pearly, liquid friend, it is more advantageous to obtain it from a natural source like sunlight. These are a few misconceptions and are further observable in the depictions of young children drinking milk, the reality being that early consumption can lead to an increased risk in diabetes. Of course, this applies only to the milk provided by cows, all other forms being relatively safe, breast milk actually being the most beneficial health-wise, regardless of age.


Now, with all that's been said, milk may seem a bit intimidating and you might feel the unpleasant bubbling in your stomach before even pouring a glass, but it's important to know that there are still many positives that come along with the negatives. I highly recommend avoiding milk that comes from cows, being that the food that they are being given isn't entirely proper and there has been an issue with animal hormones, as you mentioned, the situation mimicking what is currently going on with chickens and other processed livestock. There are still several other ways to enjoy milk and each alternative comes with a new set of benefits to meet the needs of the consumer without the intervention of large industries.


Coconut Milk: Like most on this list, coconut milk provides a good supply of calcium, but also carries iron, sodium, potassium, and other essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers. If calcium is a big part of why you take in ordinary milk, this alternative actually has a richer amount. The contents also aid in preventing skin and liver disease, promoting a healthy body. It is an easy method to obtain a recommended blood cholesterol level and assists with weight management. Coconut milk is also a surprisingly decent substitute for vegetable oil or anything else you depend on for solid fats.


Almond Milk: A good source of protein, albeit with a lower percentage than cow milk, and low in calories, Almond milk provides an increase in energy and prevents many cases of heart disease. This mostly stems from its lack of saturated fats and cholesterol, meaning that those who are intolerant can enjoy this product without issue. Problems with digestion can also be resolved thanks to its tendency to increase beneficial bacteria in the stomach. If the flavor isn't to your liking, there is a rather good variety, one of my favorite being vanilla.


It should be noted for young children that rely on protein that almond milk is not a good replacement for breast milk, since the low amounts can be insufficient. However, for adults and all those over the age of three, feel free to enjoy what this healthy alternative has to offer.


Goat's Milk: For those with iron deficiency, this is recommended, since the levels are quite high. Health problems such as bone softening, anemia, and digestive issues are also aided by this option, although the latter does not pertain to those that are Lactose Intolerant. If the presence of fats are an issue, milk from a goat has less than that of a regular cow and can even strengthen the immune system.


It is greatly encouraged to refrain from giving this to infants, as allergic reactions tend to occur and there are known to be certain abnormalities, particularly those with electrolytes. Like with the former alternative, this should be perfectly safe for those of an older age, but those that are not are definitely at a greater risk.


Soy Milk: Like with almond milk, soy is an option geared towards those that cannot consume regular dairy products. A rise in good cholesterol has also been associated with soy milk and those seeking help in the area of weight loss are advised to give it a try. If the risks listed earlier are concerning, soy milk would likely be an assuring choice, given that is known to prevent prostate cancer and Osteoporosis. Similar to a few others on the list, there is less protein and even calcium here than in cow's milk, but there is an additional lack of saturated fat and bad cholesterol.


For those who suffer from Gout and similar diseases, it is recommended that soy milk be digested in moderation, since it is rich in purine.


Organic Milk: If the idea of drinking anything other from a cow isn't very appealing, organic milk may be the best fit. Unlike those that are treated with growth hormones, organic milk come from naturally raised cattle that are allowed to graze as they please or sometimes given an alternative, organic feed. This milk tends to contain beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. While the price is often double that of regular milk, it is a great option for those who are concerned about their health and are interested in promoting the care of cows that are associated with organic products. You can trust me on this. I'm from Texas.


As for why we drink milk in the first place or who the first person was to squeeze it out, then proceeding to drink the strange substance, I can't be certain. However, I personally believe that like all predators, humans seek to gain nutrition from other forms of life that we consider to be our prey. We cook the meat, skin the hides, use horns and such for other purposes. Nothing is wasted and I think that is one of the reasons we drink milk. There is something within our prey that can offer nutrition and we are drawn towards that. It does seem strange at first, but given that we are mammals, we usually get our first experience from our parent, just like calves themselves. Thinking about it, the same should apply between us and other animals. It is a relationship where we see what we want and seize it. Many members of different species, such as chimps, are known to provide milk to others and I think the same can be applied here, but we do so in a more organized fashion and on a larger scale.


Overall, I think milk is good, but like with everything else in this world, moderation is key.


On a more personal level, I just buy the cheap, generic milk with a black label. If my body doesn't violently reject it, I classify it as good enough. Milk is milk.

I like chocolate milk.

 

[Dmitri Tolenka]

Fresh from the cow is the best milk I've tried so far but I'll drink mostly skimmed supermarket milk at the moment - I've moved away from my parents and don't know any farmers in this area (Lisse, South Holland, Netherlands). Used to be able to pop over to the neighbours and tap a few bottles from their big ass tank, it doesn't get much fresher unless you start chasing the cows yourself

Goat milk just isn't quite the same. Not bad, just a bit weird.

Also I put milk in tea, like any civilised person.

 

[adrian_]

VITAMIN D MILK IS CHAD

 

[Kimby]

I'm lactose intolerant but I can't resist dairy products anyway (cheese especially). I'll take some lactose pills to help with the pain whenever I do consume dairy though it only helps so much.
I will usually substitute soy milk for coffee and other drinks but I can't drink it straight up unless it's that Asian brand one.

Growing up in a Vietnamese household, there's not a lot of dairy in our food anyway we'll use namely coconut milk if anything. But my mom got kind of brainwashed by all the commercials for milk to make my brothers and I drink it regularly.

 

[Kazami42]

What





People drink milk from anything not a cow?

 

[Zelena]

If I play a kitsune, is it weird IC to drink human milk?

 

[KeirenReine]

I am as of sometime last year or the year before, Lactose intolerant. and so I drink almond milk. Preferably Vanillla flavoured. But I still indulge in things and then suffer later (cheese, creamy stuff like garlic aoli, sour cream, cream cheese, cheesecake, milkshakes, ice cream)

 

[Abendrot]

Banana milk

Freshly milked from the female banana that is /s

 

[boolean]

i used to be a soy milk kinda gal but ive been drinking rice milk for the last year cus its cheaper nd rly like it !

 

[BlossomsOfRainbows]

I used to have to drink alternatives to cow’s milk when I was younger due to doctors thinking I was lactose intolerant (I’m not though). By far the closest alternative was rice milk but soy milk and almond milk were also decent.

I’m not much of a milk drinker anymore. I usually like flavored milk (specifically strawberry) better than regular milk. I will drink it if there’s nothing else though, it’s just a bit bland in my opinion.

 

[Ascensionallmaker]

French vanilla almond milk with toasted almond flavoring. That is all.

 

[Daisie]

I wholly rely on milk. I think even if there are risks to drinking cow's milk out there, cutting it out would do more harm to me than it's worth.
I have appetite issues in the first place, and milk helps me eat more than I would normally. It's my bread and butter. I have a glass of it with every meal, and I've found that I just eat faster and have less of a bad experience with food when I've got milk around.

What I haven't been able to figure out is why I only seem to enjoy milk when I'm at home. I've found that if I go out to restaurants or someone else's house, I vastly prefer water. I went into the hospital for about a total of 6 months back in 2018, and I avoided the stuff the entire time like the plague, it just didn't appeal to me at all. As soon as I got home, though, I begun having it with every single meal again... even when we moved to a different place. As long as I'm at home, milk is my jam.

 

[Bennoloth]

This is a very interesting topic. I don't think anyone knows for sure other than it's an evolutionary advantage, making livestock basically produce food for longer.