Health advice is changing all the time—often in direct contradiction of itself. Carbs are bad, fat is good, sugar is the culprit, [insert food here] will give you cancer. Given this informational turmoil, it is wise to be cautious of the latest warning—even when based in science. At Switch4Good, we are confident in our health claims, and we want to act as a resource you can trust, which is why we are constantly reviewing and analyzing our research to ensure it still rings true. This article will specifically touch on a recent literature review which positively affirmed the link between dairy and prostate cancer.
A scientific literature review is a comprehensive and critical overview of a particular subset of research—in this case, the link between dairy consumption and prostate cancer. It can be used to confirm or form a new hypothesis about a specific topic of research, as well as assess the validity of the current hypothesis. After reviewing thirty-two research papers that fell within the review’s categories, the authors found that there is, indeed, a positive association between milk consumption and the onset and progression of prostate cancer.
While the selection of research papers was relatively small and the authors conceded that more research on the topic is necessary, this review confirms our cautions against dairy. Not only did this review analyze studies that found a correlation between dairy consumption and prostate cancer, it also surveyed several studies which supported potential biochemical causation. In essence, this research has determined that there is not only an association between dairy and cancer, but a specific and physical character to dairy that may cause this disease. The evidence is strong and the risk is too great to ignore. There is no need to consume dairy for its nutrients nor for its taste as one can easily find nutrient-dense foods in the plant kingdom as well as tasty dairy alternatives for all of one’s favorite treats. These plant-based foods—such as greens, beans, nuts, and even the more indulgent non-dairy cheese and ice cream analogues—are all hormone, cholesterol, and trans fat-free (unlike dairy).
According to the American Cancer Society, American men have a one-in-nine chance of developing prostate cancer. Further, a study of men across 42 countries found that cows’ milk is most closely associated with prostate cancer than any other food. Another study found that men who consumed two servings of dairy a day had a 60 percent higher risk of developing this disease when compared to those who did not consume dairy at all. Considering these staggering statistics, continuing to consume dairy puts oneself at a dangerous and unnecessary risk.
To learn more about the harmful effects of dairy, including its link to other hormone-dependent cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer, visit out Why Ditch Dairy page. We promise to keep this page updated with the latest and most trusted information pertaining to dairy and your health so you can live better and do more.
