What factor in dairy products could contribute to hormone-sensitive tumors?

The correct answer identifies hormones and growth factors present in dairy products as a contributing factor to hormone-sensitive tumors. Dairy products often contain hormones and growth factors that are naturally occurring in the milk of mammals, and these substances can influence human health when consumed.

For instance, dairy cows are often treated with hormones to increase milk production, which can lead to higher levels of these hormones in the milk itself. Certain growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), can also be present in dairy. These hormones and growth factors can mimic or interfere with the body's natural hormones, potentially influencing the growth of hormone-sensitive tissues, including certain tumors.

While fat content, calcium levels, and protein content are important nutritional factors, they do not have the direct relation to hormone-sensitive tumor growth that hormones and growth factors possess. The emphasis on hormones and growth factors aligns with ongoing research that examines the link between dairy consumption and certain types of cancers, particularly those driven by hormonal influences. This understanding is crucial in holistic nutrition, as it underscores the need to consider the quality and composition of food sources in relation to health outcomes.