March 25, 2021July 12, 2022By Austin Gergens
When Richard Platte filed for the first plastic milk bottle patent on March 25, 1964, he never could have expected his invention’s impact — nor the hatred for its contents — in the 21st century.
In recent months there has been a subtle but palpable growth in the complaints and outright disdain for those who drink milk in the dining hall — especially for those who sip the bovine brew outside of breakfast hours.
During a time when people outwardly discriminate more frequently, there comes the tremendous opportunity for Hillsdale College students to discriminate in the right manner — like deciding how many glasses of whole milk one should consume with their dinner entrée.
Even if you’re not the average college student and you’re past your twenties, the eighth and most recent edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults should consume roughly three cups of milk a day, but does not delineate how an adult ought to apportion those cups throughout their day.
One has the freedom to choose either a cup per meal or any of the various combinations that have none, one, or several at the other meals. And yes, having three glasses at a meal, even if it is after lunch, is possible.
Cow’s milk helps immensely with bone growth and density. Though incredibly important for early stages of a child’s development, humans still need milk through their teens and twenties.
There are alternatives to traditional cows’ milk, but they fall short of the real stuff.
Its no accident that of the 30 states with state beverages, roughly 67% selected milk for the position.
The soothing drink offers numerous other nutrients such as: calcium, potassium, protein, and vitamin D to the consumer.
Unfortunately, over time humans tend to grow more and more lactose intolerant, thus curbing the quantity of milk in their diets.
So it is imperative that the youth take full advantage of their (presumably) low lactose intolerance before they must turn to non-dairy alternatives.
Milking things such as soybeans, almonds, or rice for dairy milk alternatives is simply against the natural order. Besides, if these dairy alternatives cannot adequately substitute cow’s milk in baked goods, let alone foam properly in an espresso machine, how can one expect them to be satisfactory on their own?
Before you lambast someone for indulging in the M-Word, consider that they are maximizing their health, strength, and limited time to enjoy that sweet nectar.
So whether you enjoy milk in paper cups, plastic jugs, or bath tubs, it is a beverage meant for all at any meal of the day.
Austin Gergens is a senior studying English.
