Andy Montoya
There are conflicting opinions on whether or not cheese contains pus. Some sources claim that cheese, like all dairy products, contains pus due to the high prevalence of udder infections (mastitis) in cows exploited for their milk. This infection results in higher somatic cell counts, which can include neutrophils, the inflammatory immune cells that form pus. However, other sources refute this claim, arguing that somatic cells do not strictly equate to pus, and that there is no pus in milk or cheese. While plant-based alternatives to cheese are pus-free, the presence of pus in cheese made from animal milk remains a subject of debate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presence of pus in cheese | Yes, as cheese is derived from milk, which contains pus |
| Presence of pus in milk | Yes, due to the presence of somatic cells, which can indicate infection and pus formation |
| Health risks associated with pus in dairy | Potential skin conditions, cancer, and other issues, especially for lactose-intolerant individuals |
| Alternatives to pus-free cheese | Vegan cheese options like Daiya and Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese |
| Regulation of pus levels in milk | Varies by region; the US allows higher somatic cell counts compared to Europe |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy cheese contains pus
It is highly likely that dairy cheese contains pus. This is because cheese is made from milk, and milk from mammals contains "somatic cells". Somatic means "body", and a high somatic cell count is linked to pus. While the presence of somatic cells does not strictly equate to pus, an udder infection called mastitis is common in cows that are exploited for their milk, leading to a much higher somatic cell count.
Mastitis causes inflammation, resulting in more than 90% of the somatic cells in a cow's milk to be neutrophils—the immune cells that form pus. Dr. Michael Greger estimates that there is about a drop of pus in each cup of milk produced by a cow with mastitis. Given the high prevalence of mastitis in the dairy industry, it is likely that pus is present in dairy milk and, consequently, dairy cheese.
The global dairy industry has pushed to maintain high allowable somatic cell counts in milk, and the US has one of the highest limits in the world. The FDA allows one of the highest concentrations of somatic cells, despite the fact that one in six dairy cows in the US suffers from clinical mastitis. This further increases the likelihood of pus in US dairy milk and cheese.
While there may not be pus in every glass of milk or piece of cheese, regular dairy consumption likely leads to the ingestion of pus. The only milks guaranteed to be pus-free are plant-based alternatives like oat, soy, rice, hazelnut, and almond milk. These plant-based options provide healthy choices that do not carry the same health risks as dairy, such as skin conditions or lactose intolerance.
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Plant-based cheeses are pus-free
It is highly likely that if you consume dairy products, you are consuming pus. Udder infection (mastitis) is common in cows that are exploited for their milk, and this painful infection results in a much higher somatic cell count. Somatic simply means "of the body", and while a high somatic cell count does not strictly equate to pus, when a cow is infected with mastitis, more than 90% of the somatic cells in her milk are neutrophils, which are the inflammatory immune cells that form pus.
The only milks guaranteed to be pus-free are plant-based milks, such as those made from oats, soy, rice, hazelnuts, and almonds. Likewise, plant-based cheeses are also pus-free. These cheeses are made from a variety of plant-based ingredients, including nuts, soy, seeds, and root vegetables, and come in a wide selection of styles and flavors.
While the first dairy-free cheeses created in the 1980s were not particularly palatable, the vegan cheese market has since exploded, and there are now many delicious and healthy plant-based cheese options available. For example, Miyoko's Organic Cashew Milk Mozzarella is a cashew-based vegan cheese that tastes fantastic on pizzas, salads, and paninis, and melts just like dairy cheese. Violife Feta is another popular option, as it tastes, crumbles, and spreads just like regular feta cheese.
In addition to being pus-free, plant-based cheeses also offer a way to avoid the negative health impacts of dairy. Many standard dairy cheese products contain hormones, extra calories, cholesterol, saturated fats, and salts that can lead to acne, bloating, clogged arteries, and an increased risk of heart disease and dementia. On the other hand, plant-based cheeses can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, although it is important to avoid highly processed options and choose varieties made from whole foods.
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The amount of pus in milk
There are conflicting opinions on the presence of pus in milk. Some sources claim that milk does not contain pus, but it does contain white blood cells, also known as lymphocytes. These are distinct from pus, which contains dead white blood cells, dead skin or tissue cells, and bacteria in a solution. Somatic cells, or body cells, are also present in milk and are an indicator of quality, with higher counts indicating that the cow may be fighting an infection. However, other sources claim that there is a small amount of pus in milk, and that it is likely that regular consumers of dairy are consuming pus.
In the United States, the FDA permits a certain amount of pus in milk, equivalent to one eyedropper full per gallon. The allowable limit of somatic cells in milk in the US is 750,000 cells per millilitre, one of the highest in the world. In comparison, the European Union allows consumption of milk with up to 400,000 somatic cells per millilitre, deeming milk with a higher count unfit for human consumption. The average UK levels are around 200,000 pus cells per millilitre, which equates to around one million cells in every teaspoonful of milk.
The presence of pus in milk is a result of mastitis, a bacterial infection of the udders that affects about one-third of dairy cows in the UK each year. When a cow is infected with mastitis, more than 90% of the somatic cells in her milk are neutrophils, which are inflammatory immune cells that form pus. To manage this issue, cows with mastitis are treated, and their milk is pulled until it is tested and found to be free of the infection and any antibiotics used to treat it.
The debate around the amount of pus in milk has led some people to question the presence of pus in dairy products such as cheese. Since cheese is derived from milk, it is assumed that if there is no pus in milk, there is no pus in cheese. However, some individuals choose to avoid dairy altogether by adopting a vegan lifestyle, ensuring they consume zero pus and avoiding any potential health risks associated with dairy.
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The health risks of pus in dairy
There are conflicting opinions on whether or not pus is present in dairy products. Some sources claim that pus is indeed present in milk due to the high prevalence of mastitis, an udder infection, in dairy cows. This infection results in a higher somatic cell count in the milk, which can include inflammatory immune cells or neutrophils that form pus. Dr. Michael Greger estimates that there may be a drop of pus in each cup of milk. However, other sources refute this claim, stating that somatic cells, which are naturally present in milk, are not synonymous with pus cells.
The presence of pus in dairy products raises concerns about potential health risks. Some people argue that consuming pus is unhealthy and unnatural. They highlight the possibility of altered taste and texture in dairy products with high somatic cell counts and question the ethics of consuming milk derived from cows subjected to intensive farming practices. Additionally, the link between casein, a protein found in dairy, and cancer has been suggested. However, there is limited research comparing organic and conventional farming methods in terms of mastitis rates and pus content.
On the other hand, the dairy industry maintains that milk is safe for consumption, even with the presence of somatic cells. They argue that pus is a natural part of an animal's defense system, and pasteurization ensures that any potential pathogens are eliminated. The industry also emphasizes the nutritional benefits of milk, promoting it as a healthy food option.
It is important to note that the majority of the world's population, particularly Black and Asian communities, are lactose intolerant and experience digestive issues when consuming dairy. This contradicts the widely held belief that dairy is universally nutritious and healthy.
The only guaranteed pus-free milk alternatives are plant-based options such as oat, soy, rice, hazelnut, and almond milk. With the availability of delicious and nutritious plant-based alternatives, consumers can make informed choices that align with their health and ethical considerations.
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Alternatives to pus-containing cheese
While some sources claim that pus is present in milk and cheese, others refute this, stating that pus may be present in milk due to mastitis, an udder infection common in dairy cows. However, they argue that this does not mean there is pus in cheese. Regardless, for those seeking alternatives to cheese that may contain pus, there are several options available.
Firstly, vegan cheese offers a popular alternative, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions. These cheeses are crafted from soybeans, rice, almonds, nutritional yeast, and other non-dairy ingredients. They provide a solution for those avoiding animal products for moral, environmental, religious, or health reasons, including lactose intolerance or cholesterol concerns. Vegan cheese has gained significant traction in the food industry, with pizza cheese being the leading type of cheese analogue produced globally.
Another option is to explore plant-based milk alternatives, which are guaranteed to be pus-free. These include milk derived from oats, soy, rice, hazelnuts, and almonds. These options not only avoid the potential issue of pus but also offer comparable nutritional benefits. For instance, almonds provide more than twice as much calcium as cow's milk, while tofu has a similar calcium content, and sesame seeds contain eight times more calcium.
In addition to plant-based milk alternatives, there are also dairy-containing products that do not qualify as traditional cheeses, such as processed cheese or "analogue pizza cheese." These alternatives are designed to melt well on pizzas while remaining chewy and are often made with vegetable oil and additives instead of dairy fat. They are commonly used in convenience foods and commercial pizza production due to their attractive functional properties and lower production costs.
Lastly, for those seeking a break from cheese or dairy altogether, there are vegan challenges available, such as the 7-day and 30-day challenges, suitable for children, adults, and athletes. These challenges encourage participants to explore plant-based alternatives and can be a great way to discover new dietary options while potentially improving health and aligning with certain ethical beliefs.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is derived from milk. While some sources claim that pus is present in milk, others refute this claim. According to some, the presence of somatic cells, or white blood cells, in milk does not equate to the presence of pus. However, others argue that udder infections in cows can lead to higher somatic cell counts, which are associated with pus formation. Ultimately, the presence of pus in cheese depends on the quality of milk used and the health of the cows involved in the dairy industry.
Yes, vegan cheese alternatives are pus-free and do not contain cholesterol or high amounts of fat. Examples include Daiya and Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese.
Aside from ethical concerns about the dairy industry's treatment of cows, some people may choose pus-free cheese alternatives due to health reasons. Dairy has been linked to various health issues, including skin conditions and lactose intolerance, which can cause bloating and cramps.
