Humankind Needs Milk

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Health Concerns about Dairy Products by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is based only on the negative aspects of dairy products like milk. Most of the claims made are based on studies where too much milk was consumed, instead of a healthy amount. PCRM's article fails to address the nutrients milk provides, the diseases it prevents, and its importance in a human's physical growth. Milk is an important nutritional drink, and its purpose will never change. "The role of milk in nature is to nourish and provide immunological protection for the mammalian young" (Goff). The PCRM loses focus on why humans need milk in the first place, which is to provide the human body with vital nutrients. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, "Milk contains a complete nutrient package of nine essential nutrients. In addition to being an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, it is a good source of vitamin A, protein and potassium" (International Dairy Foods Association). Without milk, many humans would not get the nutrients they need to survive. The PCRM claims that milk doesn't help to improve any bodily functions (PCRM). Their solution to improving a human life is "A low-fat vegetarian diet that eliminates dairy products, in combination with exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management…" (PCRM). Because all of these practices are healthy, there is no proof that adding milk to this lifestyle would be harmful. In fact, most studies say that milk helps to achieve such a lifestyle. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) "…People who have a diet rich in milk and milk products can reduce the risk of low bone mass throughout the life cycle. Foods in the milk group provide nutrients that are vital for health and maintenance of your body." The PCRM also claims that "Individuals often drink milk in order to obtain

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