What effect does milk have on your health?

Over the years I have concluded that there is no benefit from consuming dairy for the body in any shape or form. I do however believe it depends on the individual as to what level he/she is affected by consuming dairy. For example, the lifestyle each individual has, the level of stress, current diet, if dairy was consumed at a younger age, how much is consumed in their current diet. 

Studies have shown that by consuming dairy in the form of milk depletes calcium from the bones as animal protein produces acid which leaches calcium from the bones. A medical study showed that people that consume the most amount of cows milk has significantly higher fracture rates to a person that does not consume any or as much dairy. 

Milk and cheese have been linked to increased risk of developing prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, increased and development of acne in boys and girls, weight gain, stomach difficulties due to build up of bacteria in the gut as antibiotics are added to cows feed which we consume and are causing more health implications.  

People are gaining more milk allergies and are becoming lactose intolerant which causes health difficulties, concerns and problems. So it is important to get tested to check this from a medical doctor who has the nutritional background, through a blood sample, on an ongoing basis. 

A single serve of whole milk contains more than 20% of the RDA of saturated fat. Cheese is the worst for weight gain and this needs to be monitored. 

Humans are the only animal outside the animal kingdom that consume dairy. Calves have 4 stomachs not 1 so it is needed by a calf to aid development not people, in my opinion. Calves also need to gain weight more rapidly.

In my professional experience, symptoms vary from each person. If a client tends to gain more weight, suffers from acne, stomach problems, etc., they will react more, so it is vital they don't consume dairy. Others do not seem to react to the same severity, however, I do feel within my experience of consulting, you will see the signs of reacting negatively in some shape or form with each individual.

I would refrain from using dairy because of how it can make you feel and the difficulty of the enzymes to break down in your body can lead to more health complications throughout someone's life. 

The alternative I use and would recommend is oat, coconut, almond and rice milk depending on the needs of the individual.

Vegan Pancakes And Berry Smoothie | VIDEO

If you are looking for a light, tasty, summery meal that is easy to prepare and make, check out my summer Vegan Pancakes & Berry Smoothie recipe. It takes literally few minutes to prepare and you can have it at home or bring it with you as a delicious lunch to work or pack as a picnic on a day out.

Vegan Pancakes

To make 2-3 large pancakes you will need the following ingredients:

1 ripe banana
70 g organic porridge oats
2-3 tbsp mixed flaxseeds
Almond milk

Add all ingredients into a mixer and blitz into a smooth creamy mixture and make sure it is not too runny or the pancakes won't set and you will end up throwing the mixture out. less milk works the best and then add it slightly if the mixture is too thick.

Pour the mixture on the preheated frying pan which has been greased with coconut butter, coconut oil or nut oils if you are not allergic to them. Cook from both sides until golden brown.

Serve with a dollop of organic almond butter. You can add fresh berries or other fresh fruit, yogurt, honey or tahini (a lighter spread if you find almond butter is too rich for your taste) before serving.

Berry Smoothie

Smoothies are a really great and delicious way how to hydrate your body during summer. As some people find it difficult to drink water, smoothies can be a perfect alternative. I would always recommend coconut water as it is so much better and will give your body more hydration which is so vital to the health. I always get my coconut water in Aldi supermarkets as they offer the best price.

To make a large glass of berry smoothie for 1 person you will need the following ingredients:

1/2 ripe banana
Handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries
Coconut water

Put all the ingredients into a mixer or Nutri Magic Bullet and blend into a smooth liquid mixture, this is brilliant way how to blend solids, fruits, nuts and seeds. Add more coconut water if it is too thick. Serve chilled.

Summer is the perfect time to try lots of great, delicious and easy foods that are made from organic fruits and berries that you can find in your local farmer's markets, health stores or supermarkets. Be creative, try mixing together different ingredients and enjoy healthy fresh meals!