Milk Benefits Vs Risks! Evaluate Yourself.

Every household sings the saga of the amazing benefits of milk and from time immemorial, cow’s milk has been a well-known health drink the world over. It contains invaluable nutrients and thereby blesses our body with innumerable benefits. Calcium, one of the key constituents of milk, is known to improve bone health.

However, there are many people who find it difficult to digest milk. That is because their body is not attuned to digesting lactose, the sugar in the milk. Basically, the reason for this is that their body is not capable of producing enough quantities of the enzyme ‘lactase’. This is the enzyme that is needed to digest the milk properly. Let’s learn all the health benefits and risks of milk in this article.

Health Benefits Of Milk:

Bone Health

Milk is a powerhouse of calcium, an essential component of healthy bones and teeth. Cow’s milk is also rich in Vitamin D, another vital element for good bone health. Both of these important components help to keep osteoporosis at bay. Read more about foods for strong & healthy bones.

Heart Health

Cow’s milk is also a source of potassium which helps to lower blood pressure. Increasing the levels of potassium and decreasing the levels of sodium help to keep a check on cardiovascular diseases.

On the flip side, milk also contains high levels of saturated fat that can be linked to the increased chances of heart diseases.

Read more about 20 tips for the essential heart. 

Researchers have found that cow’s milk may promote muscle building. All the essential amino acids (the ones our body can’t synthesise) are present in cow’s milk, making it a rich source of high-quality protein. Along with this, it may inhibit muscle tissue from being utilised for energy. Low-fat milk may offer milk advantages while containing less fat.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Depression

Adequate levels of Vitamin D in the body helps in the production of serotonin, the hormone which is linked to appetite, sleep and mood. Deficiency of Vitamin D leads to depression, PMS and a feeling of fatigue.

Osteoarthritis

Many researchers suggest drinking milk every day to reduce the growth of this disease.

Risks of Milk

Milk Allergy

This condition is different from lactose intolerance. Here, on consuming milk, one experiences wheezing, asthma, vomiting, diarrhoea and similar kinds of gastrointestinal problems.

Many others also experience skin rashes, allergies, rhinitis or inflammation in the nose.

Researchers have found that the oestrogen and growth hormones included in dairy milk may affect the regulation of hormones in humans. In a 2016 study on mice, scientists discovered that mice who drank milk with high oestrogen levels had hormonal alterations. In my opinion, one should consult their doctor if any irregularities are seen in the body’s functioning.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Overconsumption of Calcium

Excessive intake of calcium creates unwanted side effects such as kidney stones and constipation. In some cases, it also increases the risk of deposition of calcium in the arteries thereby raising the risk of heart ailments.

Overconsumption of Potassium & Phosphorus

This condition can be fatal for those whose kidneys are not functioning properly. An excessive residue of both potassium and phosphorus in the body can be extremely harmful. While drinking milk is essential, it is crucial to consider all the health benefits and risks of milk as well.

Also Read: The Health Impact: Understanding Organic Milk Benefits

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.