I once found a nice article where supporters and opponents expressed their opinion on milk
Milk is poorly tolerated by adults?
Advocates of drinking milk: Today, most people, especially from northern and central Europe, can drink milk throughout their lives (in Sweden - 100% of the population, 95% in the UK). We have acquired the ability to digest lactose on the path of evolution and throughout Europe, milk is not only indicated for 10% of adult citizens. These people, on the other hand, can eat cheese, yoghurts or products with a reduced lactose content.
Opponents: In most adults the production of lactase - the enteric enzyme responsible for the breakdown of milk sugar - lactose is stopped with age. As a result, drinking milk causes bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
Read also: Lactose intolerance - causes, symptoms, treatment
Milk is harmful to women?
Supporters of drinking milk: A new American study conducted by scientists at Harvard University showed that pre-menopausal women who consume more calcium and vitamin D may be less likely (about 40%) exposed to breast cancer. A diet rich in calcium causes that in women over 45 years of age, there is less of a metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by such abnormalities as obesity, atherosclerosis or hypertension. Other studies show that a diet containing low-fat dairy products can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 21% in women.
Opponents: The female body should be the source of milk itself. It is not adapted to take it in the form of food. Drinking milk badly affects the hormonal balance, which may contribute to the development of many diseases.
Milk raises cholesterol and causes overweight?
Supporters of drinking milk: Milk in milk contains conjugated dienes of linoleic acid. These substances have a strong antioxidant effect, counteract atherosclerosis and delay the development of cancer. Regarding the relationship between the consumption of dairy products and the high risk of cardiovascular disease - there is no unambiguous evidence for this. It is believed that milk may have the same cholesterol-increasing properties as butter. In contrast, some dairy products, especially fermented with specific strains of bacteria, have an effect on lowering cholesterol and pressure. Milk with a lower fat content supports its reduction without damaging muscle mass. Children should not drink skimmed milk. Fat is an important source of energy for the developing organism and provides saturated and unsaturated fatty acids necessary for proper brain development.
Opponents: The fat in milk is of animal origin. It should be avoided because it causes overweight and increased cholesterol. Drinking milk promotes atherosclerosis and heart disease. If someone can not give up a white drink - he should switch to skim milk.
Milk prevents bone fractures and osteoporosis?
Advocates of drinking milk: Consumption of milk and milk products is very important in the prevention of osteoporosis and prevention of bone fractures. The latest research carried out at the Medical University of Bialystok (Osteoporosis International 2007) shows the relationship between a diet devoid of milk and milk products, and the number of fractures in children and adolescents up to 20 years of age. They show that a group on a non-dairy diet is exposed to a 4-fold higher risk of fractures.
Opponents: Milk does not strengthen bones, it only weakens them. The protein contained in it rinses calcium out of the body. Osteoporosis is best prevented by eating calcium-rich foods that are not milk products.