Have you ever wondered why the U.S. dietary guidelines recommend three servings of dairy a day, when one in four Americans is intolerant? The answer is money.

Since 1937, the dairy industry has declared June to be “National Dairy Month” and used it as a marketing tool to promote the consumption of dairy products. But consumers are getting wiser, and thanks to recent studies by the Harvard School of Public Health and many others, we now know that dairy is not necessary or even beneficial to our health.

Here are six reasons to pass up the marketing hype this June and ditch dairy for good!

#1 Goodbye Bloat

If you have a sensitivity to cow’s milk or are lactose intolerant, you’re not alone. Millions of people all over the world experience digestive distress from dairy. By exploring some non-dairy options, you can experience less bloating and fewer stomach issues.

#2 See Ya Antibiotics and Growth Hormones

Dairy cows are routinely given growth hormones and antibiotics to speed sexual maturation and increase their size and milk production. All of these drugs eventually end up inside your body when you consume dairy products.

#3 Never Again, Animal Cruelty

Dairy cows are forced to give birth over and over, only to experience the heartache of their newborn babies being taken away so that we can add their milk to our coffee and cereal. Many cows cry for days, and some are so distraught they stop eating. If her calf is male, he’s considered a waste of space to the industry because he can’t produce milk, so he is either killed shortly after birth or sold to a veal farm. If her calf is female, she will be removed and raised on a mixture of milk (that has usually been rejected for human consumption) and grow up to suffer the same fate as her mother. Once her productivity drops after 3-4 forced pregnancies, she too will be sent to slaughter at a fraction of her natural lifespan.

#4 Farewell Saturated Fat and Cholesterol

Dairy contains high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease and hypertension. Giving up the animal protein in milk, cheese, and yoghurt can lower your cholesterol and decrease blood pressure. In patients who already suffer from heart disease, giving up dairy has been shown to reverse the signs of heart disease.

#5 Hello Glowing Skin

Studies have shown that dairy consumption can trigger or worsen conditions such as acne, rashes, dermatitis and eczema. When you ditch dairy, your body has less waste products to process, and you enjoy a newfound healthy glow.

#6 Energy and Focus, Where Have You Been?

Milk products are naturally high in the amino acid tryptophan, which promotes tiredness. Dairy is also harder to process than other types of food, requiring more energy and thereby slowing down your digestive system. Going dairy-free, you’ll likely notice an increase in energy and focus, contributing to your overall sense of wellbeing.

Want to enjoy the benefits of dairy-free? Try the 21 Day Dairy-Free Challenge!