So, despite the billions of dollars spent in marketing/lobbying/paying for studies/etc, there is real evidence that shows that people who drink/eat dairy are
more likely to suffer from bone fractures and osteoporosis. In fact, in the part of the world where they don't drink much milk, people tend to have healthier bones. Note that this doesn't imply that milk CAUSES bad bones, that isn't the case -- it just means that milk doesn't HELP. But besides that, dairy is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which obviously cause other nasty things. In that link, they discuss actual studies. I like this quote:
"The dairy folks, ever since the 1920s, have been enormously successful in cultivating an environment within virtually all segments of our society—from research and education to public relations and politics—to have us believing that cow's milk and its products are manna from heaven. ... Make no mistake about it; the dairy industry has been virtually in total control of any and all public health information that ever rises to the level of public scrutiny."
Dr. T. Colin Campbell
Oh, and I especially like this one.. it shows how powerful lobby groups can be:
"The association between the intake of animal protein and fracture rates appears to be as strong as the association between cigarette smoking and lung cancer."
Dr. T. Colin Campbell
This is good too:
"It is hard to turn on the television without hearing commercials suggesting that milk promotes strong bones. The commercials do not point out that only 30 percent of milk's calcium is absorbed by the body or that osteoporosis is common among milk drinkers. Nor do they help you correct the real causes of bone loss."
Dr. Neal Barnard
But anyway, there's good news! A new study of a group of 1700 women (women were chosen because they're more susceptible to osteoporosis) shows that people who are light-moderate beer drinkers are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis! That's right -- there are elements in beer that help reinforce your bone structure.
So, when you're thirsty forget milk! Go for a nice glass of beer!
