Why is milk good for you

Trying an elimination diet or undergoing food sensitivity testing may help determine whether or not a dairy free diet is appropriate. Why do food allergies happen? Find out here. Low fat dairy products that do not contain added sugar can be a healthful addition to any diet, as long as the person does not have an allergy or intolerance.

Milk provides protein and a range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which is vital for bone health. However, other foods can also provide these nutrients. Experts recommend that people at risk of cardiovascular disease and those who seek to control their weight avoid consuming full fat milk. Flavored milks can contain high levels of sugar or artificial sweeteners, binders, coloring, and other ingredients. These are not usually a healthful option. Anyone who wishes to drink milk but is not sure if it is a good idea can speak to their doctor or a dietitian.

Soy and almond milk are good alternatives for those who wish to avoid dairy milk. Find out about the nutritional content of these and other milk….

People need calcium for bone health and other functions. Find out why people need calcium, which foods provide it, and what happens if they consume….

Lactose intolerance happens when a person has too little lactase. Find out what it is, how to recognize and manage it, and what foods to eat and avoid. Calcium is an essential mineral, and having too little can cause wide-ranging health issues over time.

Learn more about this deficiency, hypocalcemia…. Cheese can be good or bad for you, depending on how much you eat and what type you choose. Read about 8 ways that cheese can benefit your health. Health benefits and risks of consuming milk. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Types of milk and milk products Nutrition Health benefits Risks Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers. Types of milk and milk products.

Share on Pinterest There are many different types of milk, all with varying levels of healthfulness. Health benefits.

Allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Fortified plant milks are optional, says Ludwig and Susan Levin, the director of nutrition education for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine PCRM , an organization that advocates for plant-based diets and animal rights. Some studies indicate that dairy consumption, including whole milk , is closely linked with rates of prostate cancer, as Willett and Ludwig noted in their review.

Dairy consumption was also associated with endometrial cancer, especially in older women not receiving post-menopause hormone therapy. Much of the concern around milk revolves around the growth hormones it contains, most of which occur naturally because it comes from a lactating female cow. And one possibility is that it could increase the risk for cancer. Even less definitive is the much-debated link between cow's milk and breast cancer, as well as other cancers.

Research has been mixed, and the quality of studies that deal with life-threatening, long-term diseases like cancer are often limited by the time constraints of traditional studies. According to the review from Ludwig and Willett, studies connecting low-fat milk with reduced blood pressure have been inconsistent, and neither whole or low-fat milk has been clearly linked to heart disease or stroke.

Willett says drinking three glasses of full-fat milk a day would probably add too much saturated fat to a diet. But he says three glasses of any type of milk is probably too much in the first place. For instance, drinking low-fat milk might actually leave children feeling less full at mealtime, causing them to compensate with more of other foods. He says more research is needed to draw conclusions between milks of varying fat levels and any potential role they play in heart or blood pressure issues.

Because health and health disparities are closely linked to race in the U. Non-white Americans have much higher rates of lactose intolerance. The letter urged the agencies to update recommendations because "dairy products are not only unnecessary, but are likely to take a disproportionate health toll among persons of color. The letter also connected dairy with high rates of prostate cancer. Exposure to light destroys some vitamins, especially A and riboflavin, so milk that people store in transparent containers will have lower nutrient levels.

Dairy is high in saturated fats. The American Heart Association AHA point out that eating too many saturated fats can increase cholesterol levels, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body does not produce lactase, an enzyme it needs to break down a sugar called lactose that occurs in milk. A milk allergy, or hypersensitivity, is different from lactose intolerance. In an allergy, the body reacts to the proteins, not the sugars, in milk. Severe allergies can lead to anaphylaxis , a life threatening allergic reaction.

Getting too much of certain nutrients can be harmful. Overconsumption from diet alone is rare, but certain medications or medical conditions can make it more likely. If a person has kidney problems, too much potassium or phosphorous can be harmful.

Too much potassium is known as hyperkalemia. Too much calcium, or hypercalcemia , can cause constipation , kidney stones , or kidney failure. It is rare for this to happen from diet alone, but it can be a risk when a person is taking calcium supplements. These residue substances can have a negative impact on human health, including adverse effects on the nervous system, reproductive system, and immune system. They may potentially raise the risk of certain types of cancer.

According to Harvard researchers , this could harm bone health by causing the body to pull calcium from the bones to restore optimal blood pH levels. Not all agree with this, however.

A range of substitute milks, such as almond , soy, coconut , hemp, and oat, are available. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, soy beverages fortified with calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D are part of the dairy food group as they have similar nutritional composition to milk.

Read a comparison guide to different milks, including almond, hemp, oat, soy, and cow, here , and a guide to dairy alternatives, including cheese, yogurt, and butter, here. According to one Harvard researcher , however, dairy is not necessary for optimal health. For example, its high-protein content helps you feel full for a longer period of time, which may prevent overeating 30 , Furthermore, the conjugated linoleic acid in milk has been studied for its ability to boost weight loss by promoting fat breakdown and inhibiting fat production Evidence suggests that people with a higher intake of dietary calcium have a lower risk of being overweight or obese.

Studies have shown that high levels of dietary calcium promote fat breakdown and inhibit fat absorption in the body 33 , For example, unsweetened yogurt made from milk contains the same amount of protein, calcium and phosphorus. Yogurt is a healthy and versatile alternative to processed dips and toppings.

Others choose not to consume milk or dairy products due to dietary restrictions, health concerns or ethical reasons. When choosing a nondairy milk substitute, keep in mind that many of these products contain added ingredients like sweeteners, artificial flavors, preservatives and thickeners. Choosing a product with limited ingredients is a good choice when comparing brands.

Read the labels to determine which best suits your needs. If possible, stick to unsweetened varieties to limit the amount of added sugar in your diet. Drinking milk and dairy products may prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures and even help you maintain a healthy weight.

For those able to tolerate it, consuming high-quality milk and dairy products has been proven to provide a number of health benefits. This article examines the health effects of dairy products, which seem to vary greatly between individuals. Many people are intolerant to dairy. Each type of milk has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on a person's diet, health, nutritional needs, or personal taste preferences.

This is a detailed article about milk. What it is, what it contains, along with detailed information on nutrition and health effects. Dairy is the best source of calcium in the diet, the main mineral in bones. For this reason, milk is often recommended to optimize bone health.

Some experts have suggested that substances in milk can inactive antioxidants in foods and beverages. This article explores whether this is true or…. Nutrition experts weigh in on whether or not milk is good for you.