Milk

We cannot deny that milk is one of the most drinked liquids all around the worl. But are we made to drink milk?

Milk has been a hot topic of debate in recent years, with some people swearing by its nutritional benefits, while others claim it's a ticking time bomb for cancer and early death. But what's the truth behind this creamy beverage, and why do we drink it?

Well, for starters, milk is the OG superfood. It's the foundation of every mammal's diet after birth, providing the energy and nutrients needed for growth and development. Packed with fats, vitamins, minerals, and lactose (its own special sugar), milk is a nutritional powerhouse that's hard to beat.

But that's not all. Milk also contains antibodies and proteins that protect us from infections and keep our immune system in check. It's like a natural shield against sickness and disease, making it an essential part of our early diet.

Of course, producing milk isn't easy. It takes a lot of effort from mothers, which is why humans eventually transition from breast milk to other sources of nutrition. But around 11,000 years ago, our ancestors discovered something game-changing: milk-producing animals.

By domesticating goats, sheep, and cows, they were able to turn useless vegetation into delicious and nutritious food. This gave them a major advantage in tough times, and communities with access to milk evolved to consume more of it.

So, who's right about milk? Well, it's clear that milk has played a crucial role in our evolution and development as a species. And while there may be some controversy surrounding its health benefits, there's no denying that it's a delicious and nutritious part of our diet. So go ahead and pour yourself a glass – your body will thank you for it!

Did you know that our ability to digest milk is linked to a specialized enzyme called lactase? Babies have an abundance of it in their systems, allowing them to easily break down lactose, the sugar in milk, and digest it. But as we age, our bodies produce less lactase, making it harder to digest milk. In fact, around 65% of the global population lacks this enzyme after childhood, which means they can't consume more than about 150 milliliters of milk per day.

Interestingly, lactose intolerance is not evenly distributed across the world. In some East Asian communities, around 90% of people lack the lactase enzyme, while rates are lowest in Northern Europe and North America. So why is this the case? It turns out that the trait initially emerged through random mutations in various independent populations. But when farms were established to replace hunting and gathering, natural selection kicked in. Those who could digest lactose had more accessible food, providing a distinct advantage. As milk producers migrated northward, this trait spread, likely putting non-milk drinkers at a disadvantage. Fascinating, right?

When it comes to reducing our environmental footprint, there's one clear winner: locally produced milk. Now, I know what you're thinking - milk is a complicated subject. It's a staple for many of us, providing essential nutrients and sustenance. But, let's face it, the way it's produced on an industrial scale can be downright harmful to our planet and the animals involved. So, what's the solution? As a society, we need to come together and make a conscious decision about how we want to tackle this issue. But one thing's for sure - choosing locally sourced milk is a step in the right direction. Not only does it support our local farmers, but it also helps to minimize our negative impact on the environment. So, let's raise a glass of locally produced milk and toast to a healthier planet!