In fact, over the years, milk has been highlighted as one of the most important nutrients due to its richness in calcium and protein. What will happen to your body if you drink milk every day?
It brings a lot of benefits with it, but it also has possible adverse effects, specifically for lactose intolerant or sensitive people. Let's take a look at some of the positive and negative ways daily milk consumption impacts health.
Stronger Bones and Teeth
Milk is a rich source of calcium and vitamin D, which are very essential for bone health and the preservation of bone density, consequently aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis. Drinking milk daily helps in strong bones and teeth, particularly in the growing years of an individual's life. In adults, regular intake of milk can help reduce bone loss over time, lowering the risk of fractures as they get older.
Which type of milk is best for you? - Jonathan J. O’Sullivan & Grace E. Cunningham
video by TED-Ed
Protein Power for Muscles
Milk contains high-quality protein, which is very important for the building and repair of tissues, such as skeletal muscles. The protein content in milk aids athletes and those who participate in resistance exercises in building and repairing the skeletal muscles. It also helps them maintain their strength. Protein, together with calcium, promotes muscle function.
Aiding Digestion – Or Not
Milk is beneficial to digestion, offering friendly fats and proteins for some individuals. However, there is a significant proportion of the population that has lactose intolerance, and this will be hard to digest milk appropriately. There could be some bloating and gas and stomach discomfort that ensues from this-epecially if lactose-free options aren't selected.
Heart Health: The Double-Edged Sword
Milk, especially whole milk, comprises a certain percentage of fat, which becomes a double-edged sword due to heart health. While these dairy fats do have heart-healthy fatty acids, too much of these saturated fats can lead to increased levels of cholesterol. Thus, choosing low-fat or fat-free milk is a nutrient-rich option without the additional fat and therefore a heart-healthy alternative.
Interaction with Lykkers
Lykkers, at what point during the day does milk feature in your day? Glass of milk with breakfast, perhaps, or one of many dairy alternatives that seem to be rising in popularity? Pros to milk can be huge, but everyone's body is different. If you have seen any benefits or challenges of taking milk daily, feel free to tell it all!
