Vegan Diets And Milk: A Complex Relationship

Milk is not considered vegan because it is an animal product. Vegans do not consume any animal products, including meat, eggs, or any kind of dairy product. There are many plant-based milk alternatives that are considered vegan, such as almond, soy, rice, and cashew milk. These alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, with sales of dairy-free milk in the US soaring by 27% from 2018 to 2020.

Milk is not vegan because it is an animal product

Milk comes from animals, usually from cows, but also from goats, sheep, buffalo, llamas, horses, yaks, and camels. While it is not the flesh of the animal, and therefore not meat, it is still an animal product.

There are many milk substitutes that are suitable for vegans, such as almond, soy, rice, cashew, coconut, hemp, oat, flax, hazelnut, pea, macadamia, sesame, walnut, and pecan milk.

Some people who follow a vegan diet also avoid animal-derived ingredients, such as refined white sugar and some wines, and avoid purchasing animal-derived, non-food products, such as leather, fur, and wool.

Veganism is not just a diet, it is a lifestyle choice that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation.

Dairy farming involves animal abuse

After being separated from their mothers, calves spend much of their lives in extreme confinement. Most will spend the first 2 to 3 months of life confined in lonely, barren hutches, fed a diet of milk replacers. In the US, over 90% of dairy cows are confined primarily indoors, with more than 60% tethered by the neck inside barren stalls, unable to perform even the most basic behaviours essential to their well-being.

As cows get older, they undergo a series of painful mutilations. Workers burn the flesh of young cows with hot iron bars, and the untreated wounds are prone to infection. To remove an animal's horns, workers cut them out or burn off delicate tissue without the use of anaesthesia. Cows' horns are full of blood and hypersensitive nerve endings, making this process extremely painful. Another common practice is tail docking, which involves removing cows' tails with shears or wire.

Cows in the dairy industry are killed when their milk production declines. No cow is allowed to live out its natural lifespan of up to 25 years. They are transported long distances, forced into stun boxes, and shot in the head. Many are still conscious when their throats are slit. The dairy industry's cruel practices extend beyond the treatment of cows, as male calves are either sold for slaughter or starved to death as they do not produce milk.

Milk consumption is linked to osteoporosis

Milk is not considered vegan because it is an animal product. Vegans do not consume any animal products, including milk, eggs, or any kind of dairy products.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to lose density and become more prone to fractures. It is a progressive disease, meaning that it worsens over time, and is much more common in women than in men. The condition affects the bones of the spine, hip, and wrist the most.

Milk is often promoted as a means to build strong bones, but research has shown that milk consumption is, in fact, associated with a higher risk of bone fractures. This is true especially for women, who were found to have significantly more bone and hip fractures with increased milk consumption.

The reason for this may be the presence of galactose in milk. Galactose is a milk sugar that causes bone loss in babies born with galactosemia, a rare birth defect. Even in people without this condition, galactose may have negative effects on bone health.

While dairy products are the best sources of calcium, which is essential for bone health, there are other dietary sources of calcium, such as dark, leafy greens, and fish. Additionally, weight-bearing exercises, such as jumping, weightlifting, and walking with weights, can also help improve bone health.

There are many vegan milk alternatives

Milk is not considered vegan, as vegans do not consume any animal products, including milk, eggs, or any kind of dairy products. However, there are many vegan milk alternatives available, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.

One of the most well-known and popular milk alternatives is soy milk. Soy milk is a naturally nutritious option that is low in fat and cholesterol-free. It is also often fortified with calcium and vitamins, making it a nutritionally adequate alternative to cow's milk. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of soy production, which is water-intensive and has led to the destruction of rainforests.

Almond milk is another popular choice, known for its mild and slightly nutty taste. It has 50% fewer calories than regular dairy milk and is versatile, making it suitable for smoothies, cereal, and cooking. However, almond milk loses most of the protein found in almonds and lacks calcium, so it is important to choose fortified options or ensure these nutrients are obtained from other sources in the diet. Additionally, almond milk production is water-intensive, requiring around one gallon of water to produce a single almond.

Coconut milk, made from the liquid of coconut flesh, is a great option for cooking and adding a creamy texture to meals. It is popular for making curries, soups, vegan ice cream, and coffee creamers. Coconut milk is naturally sweet and low in carbohydrates, and it has a low environmental impact as the planting of coconut trees helps to reduce greenhouse gases and enrich the soil.

Oat milk is also a good choice for those seeking a milk alternative, as it is simple to make at home and has a creamy texture. It contains vitamin D and can be fortified with additional vitamins. Oat milk is suitable for cooking, smoothies, and coffee, but may not be the best option for whipped dishes or desserts due to its thin consistency. Oats require less water than other plant-based milk alternatives, making oat milk a more environmentally sustainable option.

Rice milk is a great alternative for those with nut allergies, as it has a taste that is similar to regular milk. It is easily made by boiling rice and adding a sweetener, if desired. Rice milk works well in soups and sauces but may be too sweet for savory dishes. Rice production requires a significant amount of water, which can be concerning during periods of drought. However, farmers have developed sustainable practices and irrigation systems to minimise the environmental impact.

In addition to these options, there are several other plant-based milk alternatives available, including cashew milk, hazelnut milk, hemp milk, macadamia milk, and more. Each of these alternatives has its own unique nutritional profile, flavour, and environmental impact, so it is important to consider individual needs and preferences when choosing a milk alternative.

These include almond, soy, rice, cashew, and coconut milk

Milk is not considered vegan-friendly, as it is an animal product. However, there are many plant-based milk alternatives that are suitable for vegans, including almond, soy, rice, cashew, and coconut milk.

Almond milk is made by soaking almonds in water and then grinding them with fresh water. The resulting liquid is then drained from the almond meal. This process is similar to how soy milk is made, although soy milk has a longer history, dating back to ancient China. Soy milk is also a more popular alternative, as almond milk requires more water and energy to produce.

Cashew milk is another option that does not require straining, as the nuts blend entirely into the water, retaining all the fiber and nutrients from the cashews.

Coconut milk is the liquid pressed out of grated coconut flesh. It is a common ingredient in Thai cooking and is often used as a substitute for dairy in coffee, baking, and savory dishes.

Finally, rice milk is a simple, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly milk alternative that can be made at home with just a few ingredients.

All of these milk alternatives can be used in place of dairy milk and are suitable for those following a vegan diet.

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