Benefits of Milk for Body Health – Milk is aport body growth, including calcium and protein. However, research on milk is conflicting, with various studies that claim milk is good or bad for the body.
Due to increasing concerns about health, lactose intolerance, and animal welfare, plant-based milk and dairy alternatives are gaining popularity. This article examines the potential health benefits of cow’s milk and discusses alternatives.
Milk and bone health
Calcium is an essential nutrient for strong bones and teeth, muscle movement, and nerve signalling. Health authorities recommend getting enough calcium to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis.
Milk offers a rich source of calcium. Manufacturers fortify cow’s milk with vitamin D, another nutrient beneficial for bone health. Although calcium is important, not all studies agree that milk is good for preventing osteoporosis or fractures, as discussed in a 2019 review. Because of these differences, scientists still need to do more research.
Milk and heart health
Milk is a source of potassium, which helps blood vessels dilate and lowers blood pressure. Getting more potassium while also reducing sodium (salt) intake can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Many people in the US do not get the recommended daily requirements for potassium 3,400 milligrams (mg) for men and 2,600 mg for women. Cow’s milk also contains lots of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease, so it’s best to eat dairy products in moderation.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Milk for Health?
Milk and cancer
Milk contains calcium and vitamin D, two nutrients that can help protect against cancer. Calcium can protect the lining of the intestines to reduce the risk of colon or rectal cancer. However, research has linked too much calcium with prostate cancer.
Vitamin D may play a role in the regulation of cell growth. This can help protect against colon cancer, and possibly prostate and breast cancer. However, research has also linked high vitamin D levels with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Many factors influence cancer risk. Likewise, cancer can take a long time to develop, making it difficult to study the causes and risk factors.
Milk and depression
Adequate levels of vitamin D support the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood, appetite and sleep. Manufacturers often fortify cow’s milk and vegetable milk with vitamin D. See other interesting articles here.
Milk and muscle building
Cow’s milk helps baby cows grow fast, so it makes sense that cow’s milk can help with muscle growth. Cow’s milk is a rich source of high-quality protein, which contains all the essential amino acids.
Whole milk is also a rich source of energy in the form of saturated fat, which prevents muscle mass from being used as energy. Low-fat milk can provide the benefits of milk as well as supply less fat.
Milk and osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis currently cannot be cured, but the researchers say they linked health drink milk every day with decreased disease progression.
