What is the benefits of drinking milk?
Due to the many intolerances, milk has sometimes had a bad press recently. Still, there are several good reasons to have a daily glass of milk . Here are seven:
1- A glass of milk for strong teeth and bones!
Calcium is one of the most important minerals for healthy bones and teeth. Easily available in milk, it is also well absorbed into our body to help keep our bone and dental structure on top.
2- Optimized growth
In adolescence, energy needs are greater to promote growth. The importance of a healthy bone structure is therefore paramount. It is for this reason that consumption of dairy products contributes to optimal growth thanks, among other things, to the calcium it contains.
3- An armored immune system
Lactoferrin, a protein contained in milk, as well as folate and zinc play an important role in the balance of the immune system. In addition, vitamin A helps strengthen our natural defense barriers, vitamin B6 contributes to the health of lymphoid organs while selenium has antioxidant properties. Who says armored immune system, also says less health problems.
4- Maintain a normal weight
Milk and milk products also help maintain a healthy weight. Milk proteins are involved in this process. These have a satiating effect that allows us to control our hunger. Consumed as part of a healthy diet, milk and dairy products have a great place in weight management.
5- A peach skin
Great protector, the skin is the largest organ of your body. Drinking milk helps keep skin healthy, thanks to a few nutrients it contains.
Vitamin A strengthens its tissues and mucous membranes, riboflavin contributes to the health of the skin, lips and tongue, pantothenic acid allows cells to renew themselves and therefore to regenerate the skin and zinc, having properties antioxidants. The skin plays major roles in our natural defenses and is therefore essential to a strong immune system as it acts as a protective barrier against intruders. Healthy skin therefore goes far beyond aesthetics!
6- An efficient nervous system
The nervous system is the control center that connects our brain to our body and sends the right messages to it. It must therefore be as efficient as possible. Milk contains 9 vitamins that have a role in the proper functioning of the nervous system, such as the proper transmission of nerve impulses in the body and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
7- 16 nutrients in just one sip!
Bringing together 16 essential nutrients, milk is an integral part of a healthy diet. As we have seen, these nutrients are known to play major roles in our health. In addition, milk is a very interesting thirst quencher with its high water content of 85%.
Regardless of the type chosen, whole, skimmed, value-added or lactose-free… you will find the same benefits in each sip of your glass of milk!
Milk is the best source of calcium in the diet.
The National Health Nutrition Program recommends consuming 3 dairy products a day and betting on their variety to balance our calcium, fat and salt intake. It is considered that 100 to 150 ml of milk corresponds to a dairy product.
Dairy products are the best source of calcium in our diet. Their calcium is particularly well absorbed and assimilated by the body. This bioavailability is enhanced by the presence of proteins and phosphorus .
Calcium is necessary for the mineralization of bones and teeth throughout life. It is also involved in many vital processes: muscle contraction, blood coagulation, blood pressure, transmission of nerve impulses, hormonal functions, enzymatic activity, cell renewal.
Dairy products are also an excellent source of phosphorus , which is also essential for the mineralization of bones and teeth, as well as for the regeneration of tissues.
They also provide a supply of quality protein , the biological value of which is comparable to that of meat protein.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the body. It is involved in growth, cell division, the balance of the nervous system, protein synthesis, the formation of red blood cells, the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids… Meat and fish constituting the first source of vitamin B12, Vegetarians are particularly at risk of deficiency. Regular consumption of dairy products with good levels of vitamin B12 ensures better coverage of the body’s needs.
Finally, milk contains vitamin A , here present in the form of retinol. This vitamin promotes healthy skin, bones and teeth, as well as visual acuity. It also exerts an antioxidant action.
The saturated and unsaturated fatty acids present in milk participate in the construction of cell membranes and allow the use of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) by the body.
Thus, dairy products participate in the prevention of osteoporosis , cardiovascular diseases1, colon cancer2 and obesity3. Indeed, dairy products seem to play a role in the management of overweight and in the appearance of the syndrome metabolic. Epidemiological studies4 indicate that the consumption of 3 dairy products per day is associated with a reduction in the incidence of metabolic syndrome of around 30%.
Finally, regular consumption of milk would help maintain high blood levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), a protective factor against cardiovascular disease.
