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Did You Know...
... America's favorite "wholesome" beverage can increase risk of cancer by a whopping 50%?
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has shed much needed light on the connection between cows' milk and cancer. The study, carried out by scientists at Kaiser Permanente, indicates that ingesting dairy increases a breast cancer survivor's risk of death by nearly 50%. Unlike earlier studies, which set out to investigate the connection between dairy foods and cancer, the Kaiser study focused on dairy fats specifically. For the study, scientists tracked—for almost 12 years—the dairy intake of 1,893 women diagnosed with early-stage invasive breast cancer. They found the women who had consumed the most high-fat dairy (more than 1 serving daily) had a 49% higher risk of dying from breast cancer than those who consumed the least (less than half a serving daily). The culprit responsible for the increased risk is most likely the sex hormone estrogen.
All cows' milk—and particularly milk produced by pregnant cows—contains natural estrogens. According to Harvard researcher Dr. Ganmaa Davaasambu, M.D., Ph.D., natural estrogens are 100,000 times more potent than environmental estrogens.
Combine that with the fact that milk from cows in late stages of pregnancy contains up to 300% more estrogen, and you can see how quickly milk consumption can overload your system with estrogen. This creates an environment primed for the development of hormone-dependent tumors that are characteristic not only of breast cancer, but endometrial... ovarian... prostate... and testicular cancer as well.
Studies Show Sex Hormone Spikes Death Rates
Dr. Ganmaa Davaasambu believes rising rates of dairy consumption are linked to the increase in deaths from prostate cancer. Five decades ago, the death rate was near to zero out of 100,000 men. Today, that rate has climbed to seven out of 100,000. Harvard's Physicians Health Study, whose subject pool is composed of over 20,000 male physicians, reported that those who consumed more than 2 servings of dairy each day had a 34% higher chance of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed little or no dairy.
An international study comparing diet and cancer rates in 42 countries showed a significant correlation between cancer and the consumption of milk and cheese. Countries with high consumption levels, like Switzerland and Denmark, had the greatest incidence of testicular cancer among men aged 20 to 39. Conversely, in Algeria where people eat less dairy, rates were quite low.
The Kaiser results show a similar pattern for deaths from breast cancer. And that's not all. A recent analysis of studies investigating a potential link between dairy consumption and ovarian cancer found that for every glass of milk consumed daily (or the equivalent dairy consumption of 10 grams of lactose), ovarian cancer risk shoots up by 13%. The more scientists study the effect of dairy on human health, the clearer it becomes that the dangers it poses often outweigh its benefits. However, aside from a fondness for milk, cheese, and butter, many worry cutting out dairy entirely will put them at risk for calcium deficiencies. If that's a concern for you, read on for healthy, calcium–rich, dairy-free choices.
When In Doubt, Eat Your Veggies
The calcium source most recommended by experts, and a well-known nutritional powerhouse for vast number of reasons, is dark leafy greens. Bok choy... kale... mustard greens... collard greens... and turnip greens are all full of calcium your body can easily absorb. As a bonus, the greens also contain cancer-fighting nutrients. Additional potent sources of calcium include...
- Broccoli
- Dried beans
- Figs
- Almonds
Soymilk and other non-dairy milks often contain calcium, or are calcium-fortified. However, swapping those for traditional dairy products may introduce a host of other health concerns. Sticking to whole food sources, especially plant-based, is your best bet.
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