Milk Health Benefits

We have been consuming milk throughout our lives since the time we were born. What is it in milk that we are sill having it, whatever our age? Milk can be compared to a treasure chest with lots of different gemstones. Each gem stone has different attributes attached to it which enhances the treasure as a whole. Similarly, in milk, the array of nutrients present, make it special. No other natural food product can enrich the human body as much as milk, and the health benefits make it irresistible.

Nutrients Present in Milk

The following table gives a list of nutrients present in Daily Value (%) in approximately 250 grams of milk:


Nutritional Health Benefits From Milk

Calcium: Milk contains large amount of calcium which is useful for building strong bones and maintaining them. Calcium is also useful for the proper functioning of the nervous system, contraction of muscles and clotting of blood.

Phosphorous: This important mineral is useful for generating energy besides maintaining bones.

Potassium: Maintaining proper heart beats, checking blood pressure, ensuring a proper muscle activity are few of the benefits of potassium.

Sodium: Vital for the nervous system, sodium is found only in natural foodstuff and that too in small quantities. Sodium ensures that other minerals like calcium and potassium remain soluble in the blood and besides stimulating the adrenal glands.

Vitamins: Milk is a rich source of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B12 and D each having different benefits:

• Vitamin A - It helps in strengthening the immune system, healthy growth cells and strengthen the eye muscles.
• Vitamin B1 - Maintain proper energy levels besides helping in digestion.
• Vitamin B2 - Important for the development of the nervous system and generating energy.
• Vitamin B3 - Assist the body to dissolve fatty acids and sugar, ensures normal functioning of the enzymes.
• Vitamin B12 - Important for the development of the nervous system, helps in blood formation.
• Vitamin D - Milk contains numerous minerals which help in strengthening the bones.

Proteins Milk is a rich source of protein, which helps in building body muscles and develop the brain cells. Protein gives the body strength and is very important to ensure a proper intake of milk, especially during growing years.

Fats The levels of fat vary as per the type of milk. Most of the fat present in milk is saturated fat. Fat helps in building vital hormones and cell membranes. Moreover it provides a certain covering for delicate organs in our body.

Carbohydrates The main carbohydrate present in milk is lactose, which is a great source of energy and useful for muscle building.

Milk Benefits to Prevent Diseases

Blood Pressure
People who suffer from high blood pressure are advised to consume a low salt diet to keep the blood pressure levels in check. There are various studies which suggest that eating fruits and vegetables daily along with 2 glasses of milk, reduces blood pressure levels. Minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium present in milk makes this possible.

Bone Strength
Calcium, potassium, vitamins and proteins provided by milk ensure a healthy and proper development of the bones. The bones become stronger thus reducing chances of fractures or any bone diseases.

Cardiovascular Diseases
There are various cardiovascular diseases which can be prevented with regular consumption of milk or milk products. The high amount of calcium the body gets on consuming milk helps in preventing heart attacks and reduces the amount of unnecessary cholesterol in blood, reducing the risk of any cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes
Diabetes is a common health disorder adults suffer from. The risk of type 2 diabetes can be substantially reduced with regular consumption of low fat milk or dairy products. The various nutrients along with a very low glycemic index found in milk helps to keep a check on the blood sugar levels.

Obesity
Milk forms an essential part of a low calorie diet. Milk is mostly made up of saturated fat, which is easy to digest, and the proteins and carbohydrates present in milk, keep the stomach full making you eat less. Also the calcium present in milk helps to break down body fat reducing chances of obesity.

Cancer
Risks of colon cancer or breast cancer can be brought down considerably with regular milk consumption. Calcium and Conjugated Linoletic Acid (CLA), which is omnipresent in dairy products, help in immunizing the body from colon and breast cancer.

Teeth Health
Milk contains high levels of casein. This protein protects the surface of the tooth enamel by forming a thin layer of film on it. This, along with phosphorus and calcium, help protect and maintain the teeth preventing tooth decay.

Apart from cow's milk, milk obtained from other animals also has a lot of health benefits. A few of them are listed below:

Camel Milk Benefits
Camel milk, consumed mostly in Arab regions, is a slightly salty as compared to cow's milk. Camel milk is rich in a insulin type of protein which can boost immunity. This makes it very important in curing diabetes. Antibodies present in the camel's milk help built resistance against diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer and Alzheimer's disease, adding further to the list of camel milk benefits.

Goat Milk Benefits
Goat milk is considered to be easy to digest than cow's milk. Anemia, a disease caused due to the deficiency of iron, can be cured using goat milk. The iron content in goat milk is more compared to that of cow milk. Preventing bone diseases like bone softening and increasing the metabolic rate are some of the other goat milk benefits.

So the next time you lift your glass of milk to gulp it down, think about all these advantages of drinking milk and feel enriched!