Milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. It is often consumed on its own, added to cereal, or used in cooking and baking. It is also a key ingredient in many popular desserts, such as ice cream and custard. Milk can also be fermented to produce yoghurt and kefir, both of which are high in probiotics. It is a staple in many diets around the world and is consumed by humans as well as other animals. It is also used to make a variety of dairy products, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Goat and sheep's milk are known for their distinct tastes and are often used to make cheese. While there are many different types of milk available, including cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk, etc., cow's milk is the most commonly consumed type of milk worldwide. Milk contains essential minerals and nutrients, such as phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
Let's explore some of the benefits of consuming milk here:
Rich In Calcium:
One of the benefits of milk is that it is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Your bones aren't the only thing calcium prevents from becoming brittle. Milk encourages strong bones. It is high in calcium and phosphorus, both of which are necessary for the development and maintenance of strong, healthy bones and teeth. Consuming calcium-rich milk reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering bone fractures as you get older. Calcium also significantly contributes to the physical pumping of your heart by allowing your muscles to contract.
Potassium And Vitamins A and D Are Abundant
Milk is also a good source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and is important for maintaining heart health. It also contains vitamins A and D, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and eyes. Every time you cut yourself, it makes it possible for blood to coagulate, protecting you from excessive bleeding.
Prevents Heartburn
Many of the meals we eat are typically more acidic and spicy than we anticipate or are accustomed to. These subsequently become the sources of stomach problems and agonising acidity. It's recommended to drink a glass of milk after a meal to prevent getting into these kinds of sticky situations.
Contains B Vitamins
Niacin, vitamin B3, riboflavin, and vitamin B12, which help turn food into energy, are abundant in milk. Vitamin B12 is essential for both the regular functioning of the central nervous system and the generation of red blood cells.
For those who are allergic to cow's milk or lactose-intolerant, it is important to avoid all dairy products made from cow's milk. This includes milk and other dairy products like cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Instead, opt for alternative kinds of milk such as soy milk, almond milk, or rice milk and their by-products. It's worth noting that in some cases, people might be allergic to a protein found in cow's milk (casein) but not lactose. In that case, they can consume lactose-free cow's milk. And if you thought that anything could be tossed into milk and consumed, you might be mistaken. Some foods shouldn't be eaten with milk because it contains a lot of protein, calcium, and other nutrients. So, it is best to be cautious when consuming milk and especially with what you eat.
Here are the food items that must be avoided with milk:
Protein-Rich Foods
For cow's milk, it's best to avoid processed and high-fat meats, such as bacon and sausages, as they can cause inflammation in the body. Proteins and milk are often considered to be a bad combination because they could make you feel bloated and possibly gain weight. According to nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat, milk and foods high in protein can impact your digestion and make you feel lethargic. However, it can benefit growing youngsters and those who want to build muscle. According to nutritionist Shilpa Arora, "You shouldn't eat two protein-rich foods at once; fish and meat shouldn't be consumed with milk because milk is high in protein."
Citrus Fruits
Nutritionist Shilpa Arora advises against consuming milk with foods that are acidic, citrus-based, or high in vitamin C. It's recommended to avoid consuming cow's milk with high-acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, as they can interfere with the absorption of calcium. The most popular thing we add to milk is fruit. Health professionals advise against using any fruit, though. Perhaps surprisingly, a banana shake is not exactly a healthy beverage. "When consumed with certain types of fruits, milk, an animal protein, is known to cause acidity and digestive issues," explains Dr. Surya Bhagwati, a traditional medicine specialist. Milk and bananas don't mix well and can make you cough and get cold. The fruits with sweet and buttery qualities are those that are safe to consume. Safe choices include avocados, dates, figs, mangoes, and dates."
Sugars In Plant-Based Milk
Those who consume plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, should read the label to avoid any added sugars or preservatives. Additionally, it's best to avoid consuming plant-based milk with foods high in oxalates, such as spinach and beet greens, as they can interfere with the absorption of calcium.