First of all, we all wonder if there is anything bad about milk. We have always heard that is milk is very essential for one's good health. There are many factors you might not know about milk, either good or bad. Yes, there are few reasons you will want to know before you 'want or not want' your favorite milk!
One cup of Whole milk (with 3.25% of fat) can provide 146 calories, 8 grams fat, 13 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of protein.
One cup of non-fat or slim milk can provide 86 calories, 0 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of protein.
Calcium is a very important component that is required to build healthy bones and teeth.
For an adult, 1000 mg of calcium is required on a daily basis (recommended by National institute of health). One cup of Skim Milk can provide 306 mg of calcium.
Milk also provides – magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A, riboflavin, vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12.
Since milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, it is always said that milk is good for developing healthy bones.
In a New York Times article, American food journalist Mark Bittman says, "The rate of fractures is highest in milk-drinking countries, and it turns out that the keys to bone strength are lifelong exercise and vitamin D, which you can get from sunshine.
Most humans never tasted fresh milk from any source other than their mother for almost all of human history, and fresh cow's milk could not be routinely available to urbanites without industrial production.
Adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D, alone cannot prevent osteoporosis. So it means drinking milk alone cannot give you good bones, you need to work out daily and also expose yourself to the sun for some time every day.
Milk is generally not allergic to many and they consume it just like water. But there are people who may be consuming milk and facing the below mentioned allergies without knowing that it can be caused because of milk.
People who lack the enzymes to breakdown the sugar content found in milk, they have digestion issues when it comes to milk and milk products. This is called lactose intolerance. It generally leads to bloating, flatulence and even diarrhea.
Even babies are prone to this type of allergy. Lactose-free milk is available in the market which has the enzymes added in it to facilitate proper digestion. Levels of the intolerance to lactose in milk, may very person to person. Some may be able to consume yogurt and cheese, but some may be allergic even a spoon of milk in their coffee.
People who are lactose intolerance can consume lactose free milk. But there is something called Milk allergy. It is abnormal immunologic reaction in which the body's immune system produces an allergic antibody, called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, which results in allergic symptoms such as wheezing, diarrhea or vomiting. People with milk allergy should completely stop consuming milk and milk products.
Casein is a type of protein present in milk. People who are allergic to that specific protein, may feel inflammation all through the body, sinus congestion, acne, rashes on the skin and migraines.
If you think you will miss the nutrition present in milk because of allergies, you can replace soy milk and products for required nutrition.
Glutathione is a powerful anti-oxidant that is present in milk. It is required for a healthy brain and brain activity. According to a research, people who consume 3 servings of milk seem to have 30% more anti-oxidant than people who consumed less milk. Hence doctor suggest that older people consume minimum 3 serving of milk every day.
But also be careful about the calories from the milk. You can go for a non-fat and slim milk.
Adequate amount of potassium and decreased amount of sodium is very important to have healthy heart and avoid cardiovascular problems. People who consume 4,069mg of potassium every day, have 49% less chances of stroke and heart diseases.
Milk alone cannot give you the required amount of potassium. Green leaves, Kale, banana, tomatoes and prunes are also rich source of potassium.
Like I told you earlier, Milk is a good source of Vitamin D. But milk alone cannot give you healthy bones and good health. You need to expose yourself more to sun and do more work out. You need more Vitamin D for your body to absorb calcium from the food you intake.
Deficiency Vitamin D can lead to depression, chronic fatigue and PMS. Vitamin D is very important for good mood, appetite and good sleep.
Since is milk is good source of protein and good fat, consuming whole milk can help you build body muscles in a healthy way.
For people who need to lose weight, can consume low-fat milk and still get all the nutrition you need from the milk.
Flavored milk must be favorite for many. But it is not good for your health!
Though it is mentioned in the pack that there is no added preservatives and color, it is definitely done to make the product last for minimum 3 to 4 months of shelf life. And sugar is added too!
As a word of precaution, people who have kidney issues must restrict or stop the consumption of milk. Too much of potassium or phosphorous can affect the damaged kidneys and could be fatal in the long run.
It is always advised to consume milk that is freshly taken from cows that are organic. Simply said, Milk that you get in packets and cartons in urban cities are not as healthy as the fresh cow milk you get in the rural areas. The cows must be pasture raised and not in a conventional way (fed only with primary grains).
Hope you got to know all about milk !