For years we’ve been taught that diary is key to the growth of strong bones and teeth, but lately, that idea has been called into question. With more and more people noting the benefits of plant-focused diets, they’ve also discovered several reasons why we should remove dairy from our diets.

Milk is often considered to be a necessary ingredient to a healthy diet, particularly for its supposed role in building strong bones. However, milk can actually do more harm than good when it comes to your health. Three top nutrients found in milk are calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A. While each is essential for healthy bones, consuming too much vitamin A has been tied to bone loss and a higher chance of hip fractures. It can also keep vitamin D from fully functioning within the body. A more startling study was conducted that actually linked high consumption of milk (three glasses or more a day) to "a nearly doubled risk of death and cardiovascular disease, and a 44 percent increased risk of cancer" states Dennis Thompson, a Health Day reporter.

Milk also brings on an increased risk of ovarian cancer due to its high levels of damaging galactose. It may make men twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. While milk does contain many beneficial nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, its high levels of protein (which can actually weaken bones if you consume too much) and saturated fat make it more harmful than helpful. When it comes down to it, you can easily get all the calcium, vitamin D and protein you need from other, non-dairy sources. Dark, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds all contain calcium. If you still have a craving for milk, try out non-dairy alternatives such as soy, almond, coconut, hemp or cashew milk instead.