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Dairy
Introduction
The fairytale portrayed by the dairy industry in which a herd of happy cows are seen peacefully grazing green pastures in the sunlight is far from the truth. Today’s cows are treated like pieces of equipment, rather than the intelligent sentient beings that they are. Cows produce milk for their offspring, not for human consumption. Despite this, the dairy industry has managed to convince many consumers through deceptive advertising that cows enjoy being milked and that they naturally produce large quantities of milk. This is very wrong!
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In order to obtain large amounts of milk, cows are artificially inseminated and kept pregnant for most of their miserable life. Within 12 – 24 hours of birth, the strong maternal bond between mother and calf is traumatically severed when they are separated so that the milk that was intended for the calf can be collected and used for human consumption. Under natural conditions, a calf would suckle for up to 12 months.
Female calves are normally forced back into the dairy industry where they will suffer the same fate as their mothers. Unwanted male calves (bobby calves) are killed at approximately 1 week of age, and the rest are sold to the veal industry where they are confined to small wooden crates. |
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These crates are so small it is impossible for the animals to even turn around or stretch. All alone and fretting for their mothers, they are fed an unnatural iron deficient diet which causes anaemia. After several months of confinement, these sensitive animals which are still babies are slaughtered for their anaemic flesh (veal).
Milked to Death
Cows are hooked up to milking machines several times a day which cause pain and distress – many cows develop mastitis, a painful infection that affects the teat and udder. Painful legs injuries as well as foot conditions such as laminitis are also common due to the excess strain of an unusually large udder. To keep the milk flowing, cows are genetically manipulated which forces them to produce as much as 4 times more milk than they would naturally.
By the time these gentle animals are no longer producing enough milk to remain profitable to the industry (at around 4 – 6 years old), their crippled worn out bodies are crammed into trucks and sent to the slaughterhouse where they have their throats slit. Incorrect stunning of animals means many cows have their throats slit and are dismembered while fully conscious.
Hazardous to Human Health
If the cruelty isn’t enough to turn you off dairy products, please consider your health. Dairy products are generally high in saturated fat and cholesterol, low in iron and devoid of fibre. Dairy products are also contaminated with traces of blood and pus. Gross!
Scientific studies have linked the consumption of dairy products with allergies, acne, colic, stomach cramps, bloating, sinusitis, asthma, obesity and some types of cancer including ovarian and prostate cancer.
Studies have also indicated that dairy products may cause osteoporosis, not prevent it! Dairy products also frequently contain hormones, pesticides and antibiotic which have been used during intensive farming. Click on an illness to learn about the link between dairy consumption and that illness.
Don't I need dairy for calcium?
Calcium is a vital element our bodies require for strong bones and teeth, it also assists in regulation of muscle and heart functioning, transmission of nervous system messages, blood clotting and enzyme funtion. It is also essential for a healthy immune system and vital for fighting against many diseases including cancer. Calcium is found in a variety of foods and can be obtained without consuming any animal derived products. Below is a list of plant based foods that you can eat to get calcium.
Fruits and Vegetables -
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chinese cabbage or Bok Choy
Collards
Dandelion
Dried figs and apricots
Eggplant
Green beans
Kale
Mustard Greens
Oranges (inluding calcium fortified orange juice)
Parsley
Peas
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Prunes
Pumpkin
Silverbeet
Turnip
Watercress
Soy and other foods-
Bread (white or wholemeal)
Calcium fortified soy and rice milk
Molasses
Tofu or bean curd
Tempeh
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Beans, nuts, seeds and legumes -
Almonds
Baked beans
Brazil and Hazel nuts
Chick peas
Peanuts
Pistachio
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seed paste (tahini)
Soy beans
Sunflower seeds
Walnuts
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Giving dairy the flick is easy - here are some tips to get you started!
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As a substitute, try soy, rice or oat milk – They’re not only good for you, they taste great too! We recommend Sanitarium "So Good" soy milk varieties.
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Instead of diary ice cream, give a delicious soy alternative a go - they taste just as good as the real thing, yet much healthier! Try Sanitarium So Good "Vanilla Bliss", "Chocolate Bliss" or "Vanilla Chai".
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Try a dairy free soy cheese - use on everything from homemade pizzas to salad sandwiches. We recommend Tofutti "American Soy-Cheese Slices" or Redwood "Cheezly" varieties.
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Try dairy-free chocolate. Some dark chocolates are vegan, just remember to check the label. We recommend trying Sweet William "dairy-free" or Whittakers "dark bittersweet" chocolate.
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Order a free vegan starter pack, simply click here and complete our request form. Once you learn how easy it is to go vegan - you'll be wondering why you didn't give up the milk moustache years ago!
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Ask your local cafe to offer soy milk on the menu.
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