Is Milk Bad For Your Health?
Traditional cow’s milk has been a daily staple for millions of people around the world. Even though this is a popular beverage, have you ever considered adverse effects it may have on your body? There have been numerous studies that go in favor of milk, but also the ones that prove its harmful nature.
For that reason, many resort to other products, such as soy or almond milk, cheese, and explore the health benefits of yogurt. So, what’s the truth. In this article, we will try to explain the pros and cons of milk and let you decide on your own.
Nutritive value of milk
This ingredient offers 18 out of 22 essential nutrients; therefore, it’s considered a whole food. In milk, you will find magnesium, calcium, folate, phosphorus, vitamin A, potassium, Vitamin B12, protein, and zinc.
Additionally, it also provides selenium, vitamin B6, iron, vitamin K, vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. Keep in mind that fat content may vary and that whole milk features more fat than others.
Benefits
Controls appetite – scientists haven’t been able to prove that consumption of milk leads to obesity or weight gain. However, they managed to discover that this ingredient may curb your appetite. When drinking milk, you will feel more sated and fuller. Some studies have shown what full-fat dairy intake is linked to lower body weight.
Develops bones – based on a 2016 study, milk can actually improve bone density and weight in children while minimizing the risk of childhood fractures. One research indicates that pregnant women who ate plenty of dairy products and calcium-rich food delivered children with a better bone structure.
Better dental and bone health – did you know that one cup of milk has nearly 30% of the daily requirement of calcium for adults. This ingredient also features magnesium and potassium, minerals crucial for healthy teeth and bones. Dairy products offer almost 50% of the calcium in a traditional American diet. These days, milk is often enriched with vitamin D, which enables the absorption of calcium.
Cons
Acne – one study in 2016 discovered that teenagers who drank a lot of skim or low-fat milk suffered from acne. This might be because milk affects certain hormones in our body, such as insulin-like growth factor – 1 and insulin. However, more research is required to confirm this claim.
Now, when it comes to other skin conditions, milk may worsen eczema. But women who were breastfeeding and included probiotics in their diet lowered their kid’s risk of eczema.
Allergies
Nearly 5% of children have a milk allergy, which causes diarrhea, constipation, and colic. Other severe symptoms, such as difficult breathing, wheezing, anaphylaxis, and bloody stool, may appear. While children may outgrow milk allergy, adults can develop it.
Cancer
We have often heard that milk is connected to certain types of cancer. Excess calcium from dairy products might increase the risk of prostate cancer. Additionally, milk sugars have been linked to ovarian cancer, but more research is needed to estimate the final results.