June 1 of every year is celebrated as World Milk Day since 2001. The noble motive behind this is to raise awareness related to the benefits of drinking milk. Such is the importance of milk and its popularity as the best health drink that a day of the year is endowed to prove its worth.
In spite of the multi-dimensional benefits of milk for our metabolism, many times we tend to get confused about many things.
People tend to get more confused when it comes to consumption of packaged milk and dairy products. Most of the people tend to identify the differences between these packaging varieties and their respective goodness. This article intends to rinse off the confusion and ambiguities about packaged milk which often hits our brain hard.
Fat Free, Low Fat, Reduced Fat or Whole Milk – Which one is the HEALTHIEST?
The amount of fat in these milks is the main difference, which is expressed in the calorie counts on the bottle. What remains constant is the packet of nine essential nutrients it contains, regardless of whether the food is whole, fat-free, organic, or lactose-free.
Although renowned dieticians and various dietary guidelines continue to recommend low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, they also allow saturated fat to account for up to 10% of calories. So, while whole milk dairy foods can be part of a balanced eating pattern, you’ll need to combine your saturated fat and calorie intake with other foods.
Is There SUGAR in Packaged Milk?
Regardless of fat content, no sugar is added to standard white milk. Lactose, a naturally occurring carbohydrate, is responsible for the 13g of total sugars in an 8 oz. serving of milk. Packaged Milk is one of the most naturally nutrient-dense drinks you can drink. Packaged Milk contains three basic ingredients, which are, Milk, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D.
Dairy Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives: What is the DIFFERENCE?
Although cow’s milk and plant-based alternatives are marketed next to each other in the dairy case, yet, non-dairy alternatives do not necessarily have the same nutrient profile as cow’s milk. An 8 oz. a glass of cow’s milk, for example, contains eight times as much naturally occurring protein (8g) as an 8 oz. glass of almond beverage (1g).
Alternative beverages are not included in the dairy category. It is because their total nutritional content varies from that of dairy milk and fortified soy beverages. Yet, soy beverages fortified with calcium, vitamin A, and D can be included in the alternative beverage segment due to the nutritional similarities. For people of age nine and above, dieticians recommend three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods every day.
Plant-based, non-dairy milks are not recommended for children aged 1 to 5 years old because they are not a nutritionally sufficient replacement for dairy milk, according to national health organizations. Plant-based drinks have a wide range of nutrient content, while cow’s milk provides more nutrients required for balanced growth and development. Non-dairy alternatives can contain added ingredients such as sugar, salt, syrups, and thickeners, so read the labels carefully.
How much Milk should Adults and Kids CONSUME each day?
Dairy foods can help people at all stages of life. For those nine years and older, leading pediatricians recommend 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, or yoghurt every day, 2.5 servings for those four to eight years old, and 2 servings for those two to three years old. A serving of dairy is defined as an 8 ounce glass of milk, a 6 or 8 ounce container of yoghurt, or 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese.
What forms of dairy products contain PROBIOTICS?
Microorganisms are used to make both fermented and probiotic foods. Not all fermented foods, however, are considered probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when ingested in appropriate quantities.
By conventional cultures, yoghurt tends to possess healthy bacteria which have the ability to aid lactose digestion and can be considered a probiotic food. Lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in milk, can be made easier to digest with these live cultures. Some yoghurt brands can have a “live and active culture” seal on the box.
What is A2 Milk?
A2 milk comes from dairy cows that produce milk with a high concentration of A2 beta casein. Beta casein is a protein present in all milk that comes in two forms: A1 and A2. A2 milk contains only the A2 beta casein, which is believed to be easier to digest; however, there is only preliminary science to back up the hypothesis that A2 milk has additional health benefits over normal cow’s milk. Until more research backs up the A2 milk hypothesis, it will remain a theory.
You have a lot of choices in the dairy situation, but rest assured that an 8oz serving of cow’s milk contains the same nine basic nutrients: protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D, and B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin.
Is it GOOD to Drink Raw Milk?
The presence of harmful bacteria is the only reason you can stop drinking raw milk. Milk is an ideal feeding ground for bacteria due to its neutral pH and high nutritional and water content, and it is particularly susceptible to contamination. Raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, E. coli, and Cryptosporidium, which can cause severe diseases and illnesses such as reactive arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and hemolytic uremic syndrome if ingested. Diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, nausea, and fever are all signs of contamination.
None of the purported advantages of drinking raw milk have been proved scientifically. Raw and pasteurized milk, on the other hand, have almost similar compositions, according to studies and reviews.
Cold Milk or Hot Milk – Which one is GOOD?
Better sleep is one of the most well-known advantages of drinking hot milk. Warm milk can support you if you have respiratory issues like cough or the common cold. Stress is relieved by drinking hot milk. Lactium is a protein that helps to reduce blood pressure. The potassium content helps to relax muscles.
Cold milk is good to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers. However, stop having it during the night because it can cause pain and sleep problems. According to research, cold milk will help you lose weight. Cold milk contains calcium, which facilitates a faster metabolism and hence more calorie burning. It also combats hunger pangs, so instead of calorie-dense snacks, opt for a healthier choice like milk as a snack, which will keep you fuller for longer. By supplying the right amount of hydration, cold milk is beneficial to the skin and overall body.
Both hot and cold milk are nutrient-dense and good. However, before eating them, one should consider the temperature, the time of day, and the body’s milk tolerance. In the winter, for example, stop drinking cold milk because it can induce a common cold.
Your Take!
These were the most common confusions which can haunt your mind once you see packaged milk cartons, bottles or a glassful of the same. There can be many, as it is quite humane to have doubts and questions. We always encourage our readers to put up questions and enquiries related to their milk consumption habits or preferences. Be sure to get a well-researched and well-drafted response delivering you with the purest and best facts. For any information, comment, or visit frequently to know more milk and dairy facts.
