Why You Should Continue Drinking Milk | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why You Should Continue Drinking Milk

Is drinking milk actually bad for you?

147
Why You Should Continue Drinking Milk
Google Images

This year, I have started working on my college's dairy farm. I have experienced milking practices first-hand and I have seen the proper steps and precautions that are taken to ensure the safety of the dairy cows and the milk that is produced.

After reading an article about "Why You Should Stop Drinking Milk", I have decided to write an article about why you should continue drinking milk. The article that I read had been shared by a lot of my Facebook friends and it contained very few, if any facts about the dairy industry. Many people avoid dairy products and miss out on its health and nutritional benefits.

Below are a few of the common myths about the dairy industry.

You're drinking pus

False. Milk has very high standards it must meet, in order to be used in the industry. Milk that does not meet these standards is not shipped to the processor and the farmer must correct his procedures in order to resume shipping milk. The myth of pus in milk arises from the equating of somatic cells with pus. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Pus is made up of dead white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Somatic cells are living white blood cells located in the udder of cows. Like all white blood cells, they fight infection. An elevated somatic cell count indicates that the cow is fighting some sort of infection.

Milk is tested both on farm and at the processing plant. A cow with a somatic cell count of 200,000 cells per mL is considered to be in optimum health, she is not fighting any sort of infection. The maximum allowable limit for somatic cells in milk is 400,000.This line is drawn to ensure that sick cows are treated and that their milk does not enter the food chain. Dairy farmers are committed to animal welfare. In fact, cow comfort is actually very important to milk quality.


The health benefits are misleading... Soy, almond, coconut and rice beverages are healthier than real dairy milk.

False. According to the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, milk alternatives are a good source of protein, but they are fortified and do not offer the same package of healthy nutrients-- calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin—found in milk and milk products.

It’s a nightmare for the cows

The DFA is continuously working to improve industry standards and the best practices, in order to ensure the nation's dairy herd is being well taken care of. The dairy industry has a history of dedication to the proper care and wellness of animals. In fact, cow comfort is actually very important to milk quality.

Dairy cows are given unnecessary antibiotics, transferring antibiotics to the milk we drink.

False. Milk is thoroughly tested, to assure that antibiotics do not enter the milk supply. If cows are prescribed antibiotics by a veterinarian, they are separated from the herd to be milked, and the milk is discarded. That milk never reaches the consumer and is not included in any milk products. Milk and dairy products are some of the most strictly regulated foods in the country.

Cows on modern farms are treated like nothing more than milk-producing “machines.”

False. Farmers provide their cows a nutritious diet, good medical care, and healthy living conditions. It is vital that dairy cows are healthy, in order to produce nutritious milk. Dairy cattle receive regular check-ups, vaccinations, and receive quick treatment of illnesses.


"Dairy cows are abused."

Abuse to dairy cows and any other animal is never okay. Dairy farmers are committed to animal welfare. Comfortable, healthy, well-taken care of cows produce the best quality milk. No farmer wants to jeopardize their income or the bottom line and there is no reason or motive for a farmer to abuse their cattle.

Unfortunately, these are just a few common myths of the dairy industry and this article would be very long if I discussed every myth that exists. I have nothing against those who choose not to consume dairy products. I'm simply just trying to do my part to slow the spreading of lies about the ways cows are treated on dairy farms and the misrepresentation of common dairy practices.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180605
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7583
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452751
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23448
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments