Should adults drink milk?

Life is very busy these days. A whirlwind of responsibilities, deadlines, and never-ending to-do lists. Amidst this fast-paced chaos, we often neglect the simple pleasures that make a significant impact on our well-being. One such timeless delight that seems to have slipped away from adult routines is the humble yet mighty glass of milk.
Growing up, milk played an irreplaceable role in our lives, evoking a sense of nostalgia that transports us back to simpler times. It was more than just a drink; it represented nourishment, comfort, and countless cherished memories. The morning routine of savouring a glass of warm milk before heading off to school set the tone for the day ahead. The creamy goodness awakened our senses, providing us with the energy we needed to conquer the world.
But as we grow up, things change. Our lifestyle becomes busier, and our food choices diversify, we may find ourselves not prioritising milk as much as we did growing up. Suddenly, milk isn’t as cherished as it once was. But is it as important as it was when we were young? Let’s find out.

Table of contents
Misuse of Antibiotics
The Rise in Adulteration
Synthetic Hormones

Throughout history, milk has been consumed by our ancestors for generations without apparent issues. However, in recent times, concerns have been raised about its impact on health. This prompts us to question what changed over time, especially its addition to adult diets. Despite the extensive benefits associated with milk consumption, why there is hesitancy or wariness surrounding the inclusion of milk in adult dietary practices? One of the reasons is –Rise in adulteration and harmful antibodies in milk.
The quality of milk consumed plays a crucial role in determining its benefits. The increasing global demand for dairy products has led to concerns regarding the adulteration of milk, making it one of the most affected food commodities. In efforts to maximize production, minimize expenses, and extend shelf life, the dairy industry has witnessed widespread utilization of antibiotics and synthetic hormones.

Misuse of Antibiotics
One of the most pressing concerns associated with milk consumption is the administration of antibiotics in dairy production. Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent or treat bacterial infections in cattle. However, their misuse or overuse can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, both in human and animal populations. The Lancet Journal last year estimated that there were 4.95 million deaths due to antibiotic drug resistance worldwide. This alarming trend poses a serious threat to public health, as it diminishes the effectiveness of antibiotics, rendering them less capable of fighting infections. Consequently, the consumption of milk tainted with antibiotic residues may inadvertently contribute to the rapid growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The Rise in Adulteration
Along with rising cases of drug resistance India poses a significant threat of milk adulteration. In the name of milk, we may be drinking some dangerous dye, sawdust, detergent, industrial starch, salt, and many other additives that are foreign to us. Unfortunately, the incorporation of these additives poses significant challenges to gastrointestinal health and has the potential to aggravate pre-existing health conditions.

Want to check if the milk you are drinking is adulterated? Read our blog on:
5 Simple home tests to check adulterated milk

Synthetic Hormones
To enhance milk yield, synthetic hormones are often administered to dairy cows. These hormones increase milk production but raise concerns about their potential impact on hormonal balance and associated health effects in both cattle and humans. The utilization of synthetic hormones, known as steroids, in medical contexts is regulated and monitored by healthcare professionals to address hormonal imbalances. However, the uncontrolled use of these hormones in conventional dairy farming practices raises concerns on a global scale. These hormones find their way into the milk we consume, and prolonged intake of hormone-adulterated milk has been associated with various health issues such as anxiety, depression, weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and digestive problems. Additionally, it is not widely recognized that these hormones can also contribute to serious conditions like premature puberty in girls, the development of breasts in males, complications during pregnancy leading to abortions, and the possibility of children being born with deformities.