Health benefits of Milk
Milk is an extremely beneficial drink for the health of the human body. Some of the advantages of drinking this life-giving nectar are as follows:1. Supplies Calcium:
Milk is the best source of calcium that we can supply to our body. Calcium protects the body from major chronic ailments such as bone loss, arthritic conditions, migraine headaches, pre-menstrual syndrome, and obesity in children.
 |
| a woman milking a cow |
It is the quickest, least expensive, and most readily available source of calcium on the market.
2. Improves heart health:
Although most of the focus of calcium is on bones, it has also been shown to reduce cardiovascular diseases and the chances of strokes.
Two long-term studies in Japan have positively shown a correlation between daily calcium intake and a reduction in stroke, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. The peptides found in it are also believed to inhibit the creation of ACEs, (angiotensin-converting enzymes), which increase blood pressure.
Therefore, grab some milk for a healthier heart! Furthermore, the magnesium and potassium content in it act as vasodilators, which reduces blood pressure, increases blood flow to vital organs, and reduces the stress on the heart and cardiovascular system.
3. Healthy bones:
As mentioned above, milk is rich in calcium, which is essential for growth and the proper development of a strong bone structure. Bone disorders such as osteoporosis can be prevented with a significant daily intake of milk.
Children deprived of cow’s milk have an increased chance of suffering from bone fractures when injured, and their healing time will be significantly higher if they don’t have a steady stream of calcium to aid in the regrowth of bone matter.
4. Dental care:
Encouraging children and youngsters to drink milk will give them excellent dental health, as it protects the enamel surface against acidic substances.
Drinking it for energy and health would also lessen the frequency of children consuming soft drinks, thus reducing the risk of decaying teeth and weak gums.
5. Rehydration:
Fluids are an integral part of the human body, and the body needs to be frequently replenished with liquids as they are used up within the body.
Water is essential for growing children and they must drink at least six to eight glasses of fluid every day. It contains a good quantity of water molecules and is considered the best fluid for rehydration, outside of drinking actual water.
Water makes up more than 80% of our body mass, and the balance of fluids in our body is essential for every single process in our body.
That is why, dehydration is such a major and dangerous problem, as it threatens all of our metabolic functions. So, if you can’t find any water, grab a glass of milk!
6. Skin care:
Have you heard of Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile? She was considered to be one of the most beautiful women of all time. Well, it shouldn’t surprise you that she had a tradition of taking a milk bath every single day!
She used to mix honey and milk in the bath, which enabled her to maintain soft and beautiful skin. For thousands of years, it has been known to benefit our skin by helping us maintain a fair and smooth complexion.
Therefore, milk and its products are used in a number of cosmetic preparations to this day!
It is also good for treating dry skin, so if you have dry skin, apply milk on your face and other affected areas, leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off.
The milk solids nourish and smooth your skin. The lactic acid present in milk is known to aid in removing dead skin cells, thereby rejuvenating your skin and keeping it fresh.
Finally, simply drinking it, due to its impressive content of vitamin A, helps to improve skin, particularly since the antioxidant potential of it helps to eliminate free radicals, the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that are partially responsible for premature aging of the skin, resulting in wrinkles and age spots.
7. Improving diet and vitamin intake:
According to medical research, drinking milk considerably improves our intake of vital minerals and vitamins.
A person who consumes a carton of whole milk doubles his chances of fulfilling his calcium requirement for the day, whereas another person consuming a can of carbonated soda may actually lower his calcium levels by 1/3.
Calcium, along with all of the other essential minerals listed above, are necessary for the daily diet in order to ensure proper functioning of every aspect of our body.
8. Acidity reduction:
A report published in the Annals of Internal medicine states that consumption of milk products can also help in reducing acidity throughout the body. Drinking cold milk provides relief from acidity.
9. Wholesome food:
It contains many vitamins and minerals to keep you fit, healthy and strong. A full glass of milk contains vitamins A and B for good eyesight and increasing red blood cell count, carbohydrates for vitality and energy, potassium for proper nerve function, magnesium for muscular function, phosphorous for energy release, and proteins for body repair and growth.
It also keeps your body functioning at a youthful level as you get older, more so than some other vitamins and minerals.
10. Anticancer potential:
In a 2011 report published by Dr. Lampe JW, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, intake of milk may also provide some relief to those suffering from cancer.
This study suggests that a diet rich in dairy products may slightly extend the lives of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Word of Caution: Some people may have lactose intolerance and may have trouble digesting milk because of the lactose found in it. The symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea. For kids, it is advisable to consult your health care provider since this is not so common among children.
For adults, lactose-free milk and its products are readily available on the market. You can also drink varieties of soy or almond milk to avoid lactose, yet still, receive many of the same benefits.