Date : 19 Jan 2016
Be it a protein shake, a simple glass of warm milk, or a low fat yogurt, milk is and will continue to remain one of the healthiest food sources available. In fact, it is one of the most widely used food sources. Dairy nutrition forms an important part of our diet, considering the fact that there are 6 billion consumers of milk and milk products. India is the largest producer and consumer of milk. Milk is generally known for its high content of calcium, but it is a treasure of many other vital nutrients that can provide you endless health benefits. It is also a wonderful beauty aid. Milk plays an important role in the overall nutrition and health.
1. Keeps Bones Healthy
Milk benefits the body as a whole and is mostly known for improving the calcium levels. It promotes bone growth in children, while also maintaining the bone strength in adults. Vitamin D is required for the body to absorb calcium. So if you have vitamin D deficiency, it is suggested to drink fortified milk which contains extra vitamins.
2. Helps in Weight Loss
Milk is a great appetizer and a healthy snack. Add a glass of milk to your dinner or drink it with a fruit. Women who drink skimmed or low-fat milk lose more weight easily.
3. Beats Stress
At the end of the day, a glass of lukewarm milk helps in reducing stress and relaxing the nerves. It boosts the energy and reduces the symptoms of PMS.
4. Builds Muscle
Milk helps you build muscles. When you work hard or exercise, milk helps you recover that lost energy and repairs the muscles.
5. Healthy Body
Lowers high blood pressure and, thus, reduces the risks of strokes.
Reduces the production of cholesterol by the liver.
Gives good eyesight.
Lowers the risk of cancers.
6. Controls Hunger Pangs
Cold milk is a great solution to beat hunger pangs in between meals. Not only is it nutritious, but it is also very easy to consume on the go. Heating milk and the subsequent waiting period to let it cool is a thing of the past. Simply eat a bowl of oats with cold milk. No hassles.
7. Enhance Your Coffee
On a hot day, you wouldn’t want a steaming drink, but you would surely need that coffee. Take a cup of cold coffee – half cold milk and half coffee. This enhances the benefits of both, reviving you for the day with all the goodness milk can offer.
8. Perfect Post Work-Out Drink
After any rigorous exercise, the body certainly craves energy. Traditionally, many avoid carbohydrates to avoid weight gain. At any rate, the body still needs the sugar and protein to repair muscle tissue and replenish energy. This is where the delicious cold chocolate milk comes in. It is the perfect post workout drink that performs all the required functions. As a bonus, it is easy to prepare and tastes great.
9. Natural Source of Protein
Hot milk provides one of the best natural sources of protein, vitamins, and a whole lot of goodness. Hence, it should form an integral part of your diet. A cup of hot milk during breakfast gives a good start to the day. Milk helps build muscles, especially if you want a strong and muscular body. Calcium is required for our bones, and it can be derived from milk. A cup of hot milk post a gym session can be invigorating and provides hydration to the body after a strenuous workout.
1o. Best Source Of Calcium
If you want strong teeth, have your recommended dose of milk daily. Warm milk does not hurt the teeth like cold milk does (for people with sensitive teeth). The increased amount of phosphorus, calcium, and iodine present in milk work to strengthen the teeth, strengthening the jaws and other weight bearing bones. Warm milk between meals is also good to promote oral health as it protects the enamel.
11. Energy Booster
A hot cup of milk can simply make your energy levels soar, especially if you feel fatigued or weak. Drinking milk works like an instant pick-me-up, and it will re-energize and rejuvenate you in no time. A glass of low-fat milk can provide even a school going child all the energy he needs to kick start the day.
12. Improves Hydration
Hot milk is a way to recharge your body and keep it hydrated all through the day. It is especially good to drink milk after exercising as it quickly replenishes the electrolytes in the body and helps rehydrate the body quickly.
