Over 7,000 years ago when people began to consume milk, their initial intention was to make up for their inadequate exposure to sunlight, so they used milk to make up for their vitamin D insufficiency. At other times, in Egypt especially, milk consumption became a luxury exclusive to royals. Milk-producing animals were highly expensive at this time. Pasteur, a French microbiologist introduced what is now referred to as pasteurization, which is the process of making milk safe for consumption by heating the milk to a particular temperature for some time, till the harmful bacteria in it die. This process is carried out in a more advanced way than it was at the time. Milk is bursting with essential nutrients, so much that everyone is advised to drink at least a glass of it daily. Milk contains vitamin D, calcium, protein, carbohydrates, fat, omega 3, omega 6, potassium, and loads of other nutrients. Milk is super nutritious. Let`s talk about it!
15 Benefits of Milk
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Milk is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs. It contains riboflavin which energizes the body, vitamin B12 which is required for a healthy brain and DNA health, and phosphorus which is necessary for cell and tissue repair.
Improves Skin Health
Milk moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Ancient Egyptians knew this, that`s why they bathed in milk to have radiant skins. Also, a number of skin products contain milk enzymes. A regular drink of milk will leave your skin supple and beautiful.
Improves Heart Health
Milk fat raises levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is healthy cholesterol that prevents heart disease and stroke. Also, the potassium content in milk helps balance blood pressure.
What`s more? Grass-fed cows produce milk that contains more omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linolic acid, both of which are required for blood vessel and heart health.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Milk contains whey protein which prevents type-2 diabetes in adults. Type-2 diabetes may result in other terrible conditions if it is not given proper attention early enough. Some people suffer a stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease from type-2 diabetes. Regular milk consumption keeps type-2 diabetes far away.
Rich in Proteins
The importance of protein cannot be overemphasized. From enzyme production, muscle and cartilage building, to the development of skin tissues, and much more, protein remains one of the nutrients which the body cannot survive without. To enrich your body with protein, ensure you drink milk regularly.
Enhances Bone Development
Pregnant women who drink milk regularly, together with other dairy foods, have babies with better-developed bones than those who don`t. Milk contains proteins that are needed for a good start in bone development.
Strengthens Bones
Asides bone development, milk is required for bone health. It strengthens the bones and prevents damage and deterioration. This is as a result of its calcium content. So to correct bone issues as a result of bad postures, an inactive lifestyle, unhealthy feeding, and other related reasons, ensure you drink milk regularly.
Improves Dental Health
Milk contains potassium and magnesium, two nutrients required for healthy teeth. What`s more? Vitamin D and calcium contents in milk reduce dental plaque.
Replaces Electrolytes
Electrolytes transport nutrients to all parts of the body. It is natural to lose electrolytes such as potassium and sodium in the course of doing strenuous activities. To gain electrolytes back, drink milk regularly.
Calms Nerves
Milk calms the nerves and relaxes the mind. It can help you sleep faster. Its potassium and magnesium contents serve as vasodilators. Try having a glass of warm milk to enjoy its relaxing quality.
Soothes Heartburn
Cold milk is a remedy for heartburn. Its coolness particularly soothes the burning sensation which heartburns give. So when next you get heartburn from acidic or spicy foods, just have a glass of cold milk, particularly the fat-free skimmed milk.
Reduces Sleeplessness Signs
No one likes the look on their face when they`re deprived of sleep. Milk, with its soothing and moisturizing qualities, helps reduce the effects of sleeplessness on your eyes. Simply dip cotton balls in cold milk, and keep them on your eyes till the coolness fades. Then you can say goodbye to puffy eyes.
Helps Control Appetite
Milk makes you feel fuller, hence controls your appetite and in the long run, helps you lose some weight.
It Contains Healthy Fats
Milk contains fats, however, it`s nothing to worry about, as the fats in milk will keep your bones strong and healthy.
Hydrates the Body
Milk contains some amount of water molecules that keep the body hydrated. It also contains fats that prevent dryness in the body. Maintaining a well-hydrated body is quite healthy.
Side Effects of Milk
Stomach Irritation
Some people have certain reactions when they drink milk. Abdominal pain is one of the side effects of drinking milk, due to its lactose content. In such cases, there may be a need to take some medicines to break down lactose. People who have issues with lactose may also have nausea when they drink milk.
Abdominal Bloating
This is as a result of excess gas in the stomach after drinking milk. People who suffer abdominal bloating from drinking milk would usually have larger stomachs. This is mainly an outcome of negative reactions to lactose.
Diarrhea
Again, this is a reaction to milk`s lactose content. You may need to stop drinking milk if you experience diarrhea. Your doctor is in the best position to recommend an alternative. Note that diarrhea may not stop immediately after you stop drinking milk.
Lactose-Free Milk
Having said so much about being lactose intolerant, it is essential to discuss the kind of milk that is ideal for people who are lactose intolerant. Lactose is a type of sugar in milk which some persons find difficult to digest. When milk is lactose-free, it means it is entirely void of lactose and suitable for lactose-intolerant people.
Lactose-free milk contains lactase, an enzyme that helps break down lactose, and both kinds of milk taste just the same way.
Lactose-free milk, like the regular milk, is a great source of protein, providing about 8 grams in a 240-ml serving. It also contains good amounts of micronutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
Quick Milk Facts
- Dairy farmers in the UK produce 14 billion liters of milk annually.
- Milk is one of the best sources of calcium.
- Milk contains water that hydrates the body.
- A cow must have had a calf to produce milk.
- It takes a cow 50 to 70 hours to produce milk.
- The gender of a cow’s most recent calf determines the taste of the milk.
- It takes 12 pounds of whole milk to make a gallon of ice cream.
- A cow produces about 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.
- Dairy cows provide over 90% of the milk the whole planet consumes.
- Each strain of a dairy goat produces a unique flavor of milk.
- Goat milk has more butterfat than cow milk.
- Goat milk is the main ingredient in feta, gevrik, rocamadour, and some other cheeses.
- You can digest goat milk in 20 minutes, while cow milk may take an hour.
Now That You Know…
Milk has loads of health benefits which everyone should take advantage of. When was the last time you had a cup of milk? Do ensure you enrich your body with milk regularly.
