World Plant Milk Day
The Plant Milk Report
Image source: shutterstock.com/Julia Metkalova
ProVeg’s first report on plant milk shines a light on the top-selling product in the entire plant-based alternatives market. Based on current studies, this detailed report explores the role that plant milks can play in terms of global healthy and sustainable nutrition, from producers through to distributors and consumers.
We are bringing this report into the foreground for our World Plant Milk Day campaign. If you would like to read about it’s initial release in 2019, please find a detailed blog on the international site over here.
The Plant Milk Report offers insight into the environmental impact, nutritional qualities, health benefits and future of milk alternatives. It was released by ProVeg International, based in Berlin, Germany. While the information regarding water usage, greenhouse gas emissions and individual ingredients remain standard, we asked ourselves what differences there may be within a South African context.
“As much as 75% of the world’s adult human population is intolerant to ingested dietary lactose… At 1-3%, cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the most common form of food allergy in infants and children.”
Lactose Intolerance in South Africa
An inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in cow’s milk, is one of the leading reasons why so many opt for a dairy alternative. Symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal cramping, are relieved by the complete avoidance of dairy products.
Research suggests that the incidence of Lactose Intolerance in South Africa might be even higher than the number offered by The Plant Milk Report.
In 1983, a study found that Lactase Deficiency was common (78%) in different tribes of the South African Black population, despite the fact that two of the largest tribes (Zulu & Xhosa) are cattle herders and milk drinkers. This is most likely explained by the fact that these tribes consume traditional fermented buttermilk, which has a significantly lower lactose content. [1]The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 38, Issue 6, December 1983, Pages 901–905, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/38.6.901
In that same year, 47 Zulu patients were selected for testing within a general medical ward in Durban. A lactose tolerance test revealed that 89% of these patients were lactose intolerant. The researchers extended the testing towards 14 healthy Zulu individuals, and discovered that 93% of the healthy individuals were intolerant to lactose! This research study concluded that milk based diets should be avoided in referring malnourished Zulu patients. [2](O’Keefe SJ, Adam JK. Primary lactose intolerance in Zulu adults. South African Medical Journal = Suid-afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Geneeskunde. 1983 May;63(20):778-780.
The Plant Milk Report
This report documents the rise of plant milk in recent years, and explores its potential importance in terms of establishing a healthy and sustainable diet for the planet.
Scroll through infographics from the report
References
| ↑1 | The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 38, Issue 6, December 1983, Pages 901–905, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/38.6.901 |
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| ↑2 | (O’Keefe SJ, Adam JK. Primary lactose intolerance in Zulu adults. South African Medical Journal = Suid-afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Geneeskunde. 1983 May;63(20):778-780. |
