10 Health Benefits of Milk
Milk comes with many health benefits, which include the health of our bones, teeth, skin, and gener-ally our immune system. Some of the conditions that can be prevented by consuming, amongst oth-ers, milk products, are hypertension, dehydration, respiratory problems, obesity, osteoporosis, tooth decay, and even some types of cancer, such as stomach or colon cancer.
Milk is essential for the human body due to the many nutrients it contains and is therefore recom-mended for children and adults. Those who don’t consume enough milk can suffer from osteoporosis, anemia, and many other conditions.
Good health, enough energy, and enough strength for our day-to-day activities require a continuous intake of dairy products. This article looks at 10 health benefits of milk.
Milk Benefit #1: Improves Heart Health
Milk is rich in potassium, which can help us to reduce our blood pressure by enhancing vasodilation. If we increase our potassium intake but decrease our sodium intake, we are reducing the risk of suffer-ing from cardiovascular conditions.
A study showed that those who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium per day decreased their risk of suf-fering from a heart condition by 49 percent. However, it is important to intake potassium from other foods as well, such as bananas, tomatoes, prunes, or spinach. Cow’s milk is high in cholesterol and sat-urated fat. If consumed in high amounts, it can increase the risk of a heart condition.
Milk Benefit #2: Improves Vitamin Intake
Studies have shown that by taking in milk, you are at a lower risk of suffering from obesity. This benefit has only been proven in whole milk. A study carried out in children showed that eating more high-fat dairy products resulted in less weight gain and a lower risk of being obese.
The high-proteins found in milk can prevent overeating, as they can leave you feeling full for a longer period of time. They are rich in calcium, and by taking in this vitamin, studies have shown that there is a lower risk of becoming obese.
Milk Benefit #3: Reduces Acidity
By drinking milk, you are soothing symptoms of heartburn and ulcers. These are caused by acid pro-duction that is produced by the stomach in excess levels. However, when we drink too much milk, we are increasing acid production and eventually we end up worsening our symptoms. Therefore, it is im-portant to maintain regular milk intake.
The limit of milk and other dairy products should be limited to three servings per day. This can help you control stomach acid production and reduce acidity. Many people only count milk in the daily limit, but it is crucial to remember that all dairy products count, such as cheese or yogurt.
Milk Benefit #4: Prevents Cancer
Studies have shown that colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum, may be prevented by consuming dairy products. So far, the evidence is mixed, however eating dairy products might just be able to reduce the risk of suffering from colorectal cancer. The belief is that it is the components of milk that can protect against colorectal cancer, such as calcium, vitamin D, and lactic acid bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are present in yogurt and similar fermented dairy products.
Colorectal cancer is the most common type of cancer, worldwide. Studies have also supported the fact that other types of cancer, such as stomach cancer or prostate cancer, can also be prevented by using dairy products.
Milk Benefit #5: Improves Skin Health
Milk can also be used for improving your skin health and by adding milk to your skin routine, you can gain many benefits, such as in fighting wrinkles and moisturizing skin. Milk is also helpful in fighting freckles, brown spots, and similar skin disorders, which are caused by increased melanin.
Raw and sour milk can help with this too, as studies have shown that it can be used to treat such condi-tions, due to the lactic acid content. It is, however, important to note that drinking too much milk can lead to skin problems, such as acne, so it is important to maintain regular milk and dairy product intake.
Milk Benefit #6: Rehydrates
Studies suggest that drinking milk can be better for replacing sweat and for staying hydrated, especial-ly for athletes after a workout. The comparison to sports drinks that are available showed that milk is, in fact, a better option after a workout.
Restoring the fluid loss is important for our health and, as per these studies, this is best done with a glass of milk. Milk is not only good for rehydration, but it is also great for providing energy, protein, and many important vitamins and minerals, which are not only good for athletes but for everyone in general.
Milk Benefit #7: Improves Dental and Oral Health
Milk and other dairy products, such as cheeses and yogurt, are also good for our oral health. They can reduce tooth decay, and this is not only due to the calcium content.
Milk and dairy products have many other important nutrients, such as casein protein, which can form a protective film on the surface of the teeth. It is a coating that can help the teeth from being damaged by acids that are caused by bacteria. Calcium and phosphorus repair this coating and strengthen the teeth that would otherwise dissolve due to bacterial acids. Milk is not only important for children but for adults too.
Milk Benefit #8: Improves Bone Health
Drinking milk is very beneficial for healthy bones. It contains many important nutrients, such as calci-um, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and vitamin K2. This combination of nutrients is important for strong and healthy bones. The majority of the calcium in our body is stored in the bones and the teeth. Therefore, by drinking milk, you are taking in the necessary calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K that you need for your body.
Drinking milk and consuming dairy products can prevent bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Milk is recommended to children that are growing for strengthening the bones, but as osteoporosis occurs as we age, milk is just as important for adults as well.
Milk Benefit #9: Improves Calcium Supply
As previously mentioned, calcium is very important for our health, especially for our teeth and gener-ally all bones in our body. It is important to have enough calcium from when we are children and up to when we get old. By consuming milk and other dairy products, you are making sure that you are taking in enough calcium.
It is not clear if milk is the best source of calcium; however, studies have shown that it does improve your calcium supply. Nonetheless, it is important that you make sure that you are consuming other foods that contain calcium as well.
Milk Benefit #10: Reduces Dark Circles
Many people suffer from dark circles under the eyes, which make you look exhausted, even if you´re not. Getting enough sleep is a good way of reducing dark circles in an effective way. However, there are also other solutions to getting rid of these dark circles.
Milk is one home remedy that is very efficient and it doesn’t cost as much as some eye correctors and concealers do. It is amazing when it comes to lightening the skin. Milk doesn’t only lighten the dark circles under the eyes, it also nourishes, exfoliates, and cleanses the skin.
