Whilst consuming milk and dairy products is common in some countries, not everyone is able to stomach it. Most people lose the ability to digest the milk sugar lactose after weaning – about two thirds of the world’s adults are lactose intolerant. The message is loud and clear: we are meant to consume breast milk only in infancy and then stop.

However, as milk is our first food, we tend to view it with a certain emotional attachment and the dairy industry are well aware of it. Their marketing has got us convinced that cow’s milk is a perfect food, that we need it for healthy bones and, most importantly, we need to consume it several times a day. Whatever the claim, don’t forget they are selling you a product, even if it’s disguised as health advice. Not long ago, cigarettes were recommended by doctors – clever marketing bolstered by excessive funding is capable of reaching everyone!