A frequent bugaboo of the "fiscal cliff" debacle was the "milk
cliff" – the threat of milk price doubling, if Congress failed
to extend dairy subsidies. Parents were forgoing other
necessities, because their children "had to have milk." Most
industries would gladly give up their tax loopholes for that
kind of product loyalty. But this one is totally undeserved.
Consumption of dairy products, laden with saturated fats,
cholesterol, hormones, and drugs elevates the risk of diabetes,
heart disease, and cancer. This is particularly critical during
childhood years, when dietary flaws become lifelong addictions.
A study of 12,829 children by Harvard Medical School found that
drinking cow's milk leads to weight gain. Several proteins in
cow's milk can thicken mucus secretions leading to respiratory
problems in children. Many African-Americans and Asian-Americans
suffer from cramping and diarrhea because they lack the enzyme
to digest lactose in cow's milk. The good news is that green
leafy vegetables and legumes sup