Milk is the very first food in every person’s life. It contains all the nutrients necessary for the development of a young body, and many delicious and healthy dishes for adults simply wouldn’t be possible without it. From early childhood, we are taught that dairy products are incredibly beneficial and should be included in our daily diets. But how true is this narrative, and can we really get by without milk in our everyday lives?
What Are the Benefits of Milk?
Goat, horse, sheep, donkey—people consume different types of milk depending on their region. However, cow’s milk is the most popular, as it serves as the base for many products, and after pasteurization, it is packaged and sold in supermarkets.
Many people enjoy drinking what is known as homemade milk—unprocessed milk that can be purchased at local markets directly from the “producer.” Any cow’s milk can diversify a person’s diet and is suitable for preparing food for young children. It’s commonly bought for daycare centers and schools, and it is used to make fermented dairy products that are just as beneficial as the raw milk itself.
Here are some widely recognized facts about the benefits of milk:
- Bone strength—milk contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D; a deficiency in these nutrients can lead to osteoporosis;
- Weight management—when consumed correctly, milk can even aid in gradual weight loss;
- A convenient snack—milk is easy to buy at the store for a quick hunger fix; morning coffee with milk is particularly popular in this regard;
- Stress relief—a glass of warm milk not only satisfies hunger but also helps calm and balance you after a tough day;
- Muscle gain—thanks to its high protein content, milk can support muscle development;
- Great culinary potential—many delicious and nutritious dairy products are well-known, and the list is quite diverse;
- A natural sleep aid—warm boiled milk before bed can help you fall asleep quickly;
- Effective remedies—coffee with milk can help reduce stomach acidity; warm milk with honey is often consumed during colds; some dairy products positively affect hair and skin health.
Some scientists consider this product to be food for the gods due to its vast array of nutrients—proteins, fats, vitamins A and D, B vitamins, as well as minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids. Often, our bodies do not receive the necessary amounts of vitamins and minerals, so a glass of milk each day can effectively address this deficiency.
Why Should You Avoid Drinking Milk After 40?
Humans are the only living organisms in nature that consume milk after weaning. All other animals only drink it during their infancy. This is why some scientists and medical professionals believe that after the age of 40, it is advisable to refrain from consuming milk in its pure form. It may contribute to the onset and development of certain diseases and negatively affect metabolic processes in the body and the immune system. In this case, fermented dairy products are more beneficial for the intestines than milk itself. The bacteria in these products promote a healthy gut microbiome, helping to combat dysbiosis. This is especially important during antibiotic treatment.
What Are the Dangers of Milk?
Frequently, various information sources report that milk is not beneficial for everyone and can, in some cases, cause significant harm. This raises the question of whether we need to reconsider our approach to consuming such products. Under what conditions should dairy products be avoided? Specialists often cite stomach issues as the most common problems: these can manifest as diarrhea, bloating, discomfort, and pain. Additionally, milk consumption may influence the development of diseases related to joints, the cardiovascular system, and bones. This product is also not recommended for those with allergies, as it can, in certain situations, lead to bronchial asthma. Milk is excessive in the diets of people with gastritis, gout, kidney stones, and kidney pathologies.
Symptoms indicating the harmful effects of milk include:
- Lactose intolerance—manifesting as bloating, sharp abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In this case, it is recommended to buy lactose-free milk or take a special enzyme before consuming regular milk.
- Milk protein allergy—manifesting as gastrointestinal disturbances, swelling of the mucous membranes, breathing difficulties, and tearing. In this case, adults should completely avoid milk.
- Increased cholesterol levels—this raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is better to consume low-fat dairy products instead.
- Activation of inflammatory processes—this occurs in immune diseases. Here, it is advisable to minimize or completely eliminate milk consumption.
However, in most cases, people still consume this product—if not in its pure form, then as an ingredient or base for various dishes and drinks. This can include black coffee, cocoa, raspberries, honey, chocolate syrup, and even cognac. Smoothies—thick cocktails made with fruits and vegetables—are also very popular. Some simply enjoy a cup of hot or cold milk with a sweet roll or a piece of black bread with garlic.
Which Milk Is the Healthiest?
Raw milk straight from the cow typically doesn’t have a long shelf life. Therefore, it is often boiled at home to extend its usability. Of course, this process destroys many nutrients. In production, other methods are used, including:
- Pasteurization. This method involves heating the product to 75 degrees Celsius for half an hour. Pasteurization effectively kills almost all pathogenic bacteria while preserving mineral and vitamin content. Milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Ultra-pasteurization. In this case, the product is treated at a temperature of 135 degrees Celsius for just 2-5 seconds. This milk retains its full calcium content but loses some B and C vitamins. Its taste, color, and smell remain unchanged. The shelf life in Tetra Pak packaging is six months, after which the product develops a bitter taste without fermentation.
- Sterilization. This occurs for half an hour at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. Packaging for this milk is labeled “UHT-milk” and has a shelf life of six months. The nutritional value of the milk in this case is minimal.
- Condensing. This method involves processing the milk for about half an hour at a temperature of 85-98 degrees Celsius. The result is a product that takes on a crème brûlée color and becomes richer in fat.
Determining which milk is the healthiest requires considering certain rules regarding its consumption. Specialists recommend drinking it separately, without mixing it with other protein-containing foods, except for grains used for cooking porridge. Additionally, this drink is only beneficial when warmed; otherwise, temperature fluctuations can lead to digestive issues.
Milk should be consumed between meals—for example, between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and dinner. Drinking it immediately before or after meals can cause cramps, colic, and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
Can You Drink Unpasteurized Milk?
As mentioned earlier, many consumers buy milk at markets. Since this product is sold unprocessed, a logical question arises: can you drink raw milk? In its natural state, it contains a full range of beneficial elements. The best is what is known as fresh milk, just milked. It must be strained through several layers of cheesecloth. At this moment, the temperature of fresh milk is about 39-40 degrees Celsius—almost equal to the body temperature of the animal.
It remains fresh for four hours, retaining all the vitamins that have not yet decomposed or oxidized. This unpasteurized milk improves vision, contains a complete set of B vitamins, and positively affects the nervous system. The benefits of milk for men, women, and children in this case are maximized. But is raw milk harmful in terms of pathogens? Specialists assert that it can be consumed if you are confident in the cleanliness of the cow and its proper care. In other cases, or if you buy it from unfamiliar vendors at the market, it is advisable to boil the product. Any slight loss of microelements will be compensated by the guarantee of eliminating harmful bacteria.
How to Properly Boil Milk
It is best to do this immediately on the day of purchase. Pour the milk into enamel or stainless steel containers and place it over medium heat. Stir the liquid gently until it reaches a boil. This helps retain fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in nearly unchanged states. Continue stirring after it boils, waiting for the foam to rise. It’s important to know that the boiling point of milk is 95 degrees Celsius, so don’t turn off the heat immediately.
To prevent burning, ensure that boiling occurs in a clean container. Otherwise, the milk may boil over or develop a burnt taste. If you are unsure about the freshness of the milk, first boil a small portion as a test.
What Can Be Made from Milk?
If you are unsure whether drinking milk in its pure form is beneficial for you, you can opt for products made from it. The list is quite extensive and continues to grow, thanks to the skills of modern chefs:
- Cheese—made from whole milk, often skimmed, with the addition of special cultures. This product is high in protein, calcium, and B vitamins.
- Kefir—produced from milk with the addition of specific kefir grains. It belongs to a large group of fermented dairy products alongside ryazhenka, acidophilus drink, ayran, and matsoni.
- Cream—the richest top layer of milk that forms after it has been allowed to sit. This product is extremely calorie-dense and rich in microelements, containing vitamins A, D, and E.
- Condensed milk—this product is evaporated with added sugar. It is characterized by a high protein content.
- Sour cream—made from cream using a special starter culture. It contains a lot of fats and proteins, as well as vitamins A, E, and B12.
- Butter—made from cream by churning. It is rich in vitamins A, E, and D and is highly caloric.
- Hard cheeses—produced using cultures and special enzymes. They provide significant health benefits and come in a wide variety of types and fat contents.
- Yogurt—another fermented dairy product with a thick consistency. It can contain various additives such as fruits, berries, and grains, significantly expanding the flavor range.
Once upon a time, every child could recite lines from a children’s song: “Drink milk, kids, and you’ll be healthy!” And although our health situation is not so straightforward now, we should not underestimate this drink that has been familiar to us since birth.