Milk has always been associated with health. And dairy producers further strengthened this belief. It was recommended to drink it in unlimited quantities for everyone, young and old.
But the opinions of scientists on this score were divided. Some consider milk useful and nutritious, others - useless, but not dangerous, others - harmful to human health, capable of provoking various diseases.
The benefits of milk
Milk contains high amounts of the minerals calcium and potassium, as well as vitamin D.
That is why its use for children and the elderly has always been considered especially useful. For children for the development of bone tissue and growth, for the elderly - for the prevention of osteoporosis.
However, modern scientists do not recommend the use of cow's milk in the diet of infants. Since it does not meet the needs of infants for the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Milk consumption is unlimited after 3 years.
But after 20 years, the benefits decrease. This is due to the fact that the amount of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down milk sugar, decreases with age in humans. Undigested, it causes fermentation of gases and the multiplication of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
Opting for pasteurized milk
Contrary to popular belief that fresh milk is many times healthier and better, it is still worth using pasteurized milk. Because pasteurization kills dangerous germs. Of course, this also destroys vitamins, but this does not really matter, since milk is not a valuable source of them.
Low fat is healthier
Skim milk contains more minerals than fat milk. But less dangerous fat (cholesterol) that clogs blood vessels. In addition, there is less calorie content.
"Harmful" statistics
There is evidence of scientists that in eastern countries, where little cow's milk is consumed, there is a low percentage of bone fractures.
And Swedish scientists believe that the mortality rate among women who drink more than 3 glasses of milk a day is 2 times higher than among women who drink less than 1 glass. However, these data are not yet reliable.
Milk myth
Cow's milk is often used to treat colds. Drink it warm when you cough. But few people know that milk stimulates the production of mucus in the body. In particular, when coughing, this aggravates the condition, creating a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.
Summing up, we can say that milk has been, is and will be on the tables of lovers of this delicious product. The main thing, as in everything, in its use requires a measure. It is advisable to give up milk during the ARVI period, not to feed them to infants. And also track the reactions of the body and respond to them in time.
