3 Benefits of Nondairy Milk

1. It’s Cruelty-Free

As you might have guessed, plant milks come from plants, not animals, and they are vegan-friendly. No sentient being is harmed to make them, and no babies are taken from their mothers and turned into veal, either.

In contrast, industrialized dairy cows often lead miserable lives. Many never see a blade of grass. Most are impregnated yearly — and their babies are taken away from them almost at birth. And then, when their milk production wanes, at around four years old, they’re killed for their meat.

2. It’s Better for the Environment

The dairy industry has become something of an ecological disaster. Animal agriculture is responsible for using up 83% of total global agricultural land, yet produces only 18% of the world’s calories. It’s a leading driver behind the destruction of tropical rainforests. And cows are huge contributors to climate change. The methane they release is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in warming the atmosphere.

Dairy also uses a lot of water. Factoring in the amount needed to feed and raise cows, it takes 144 gallons of water to produce one gallon of milk in the US. This is especially concerning since cattle for beef and dairy accounts for about ¼ of total agricultural water usage.

3. It’s Healthier

Advertising for dairy touts it as a great source of calcium, protein, and vitamin A. And it does have these and other nutrients. But milk and dairy also supply an abundance of artery-clogging saturated fat, as well as hormones and antibiotics that are linked to an increase in disease and antibiotic resistance. Dairy has also been strongly linked to an increased risk of liver cancer and breast cancer.

Plant milks don’t contain these problematic elements. And when you choose organic products, you avoid certain pesticides and GMOs, too.

Cow’s milk is often fortified with vitamin D, as are many plant milks. Some plant milks also naturally contain or are fortified with additional nutrients, too, such as calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Soy and almond milk, in particular, are often fortified to match the nutrient content found in cow’s milk without the negative health effects of animal products.

(Excerpt fro the Food Revolution Network)