10 Reasons Why You Must Drink Milk At Breakfast And Before Bedtime

Like almost everybody, I had a problem drinking milk. This is mostly due to the "myth" that milk is reserved only for babies and kids. Although the campaign Got Milk was often criticised as a propaganda for the Dairy Business, the fact remains that milk is very good for your health. The dietary guidelines recommend 3 cups of milk per day but the one extra cup can be obtained through milk products such as yoghurt, milk and cookies, and cheesecake..

Here are 10 reasons why milk is good for health:


Calcium and Potassium

Calcium is the building block of our bones and thus, prevents a disease common in old age known as Osteoporosis. It is also essential for other functions such as nerve transmission, muscle contraction and blood clotting.

Potassium regulates our blood pressure. It is also needed for muscle contraction.

Protein

Milk is an excellent source of protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids which are required to meet our physiological needs.

Vitamins A,B-12,D

Vitamin A helps maintain a good eyesight and smooth skin. It also controls cell growth and the proper functioning of our immune system.

Vitamin B-12 is essential for our nervous system. It is also involved in blood formation.

Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and bone formation.

Phosphorus and Riboflavin

Phosphorus and riboflavin help in the "production of energy" in the body's cell. They also help in our bone formation.

Niacin

Niacin keeps enzymes functioning normally and helps the body process sugars and fats. It is also important for the development of the nervous system.

Weight Loss

Though not as reliable as other weight loss diets, milk is linked to weight loss as attested by the following studies.

Controlled eating

Drinking a glass of milk at breakfast and before bedtime prevents unhealthy snacking and the cravings of food at night or before lunch.

Milk does not develop kidney stones

An urban legend linked to milk is that milk develops kidney stones.

At the University of Chicago, D.R. Webb showed that even calcium-sensitive patients were able to consume milk or calcium-fortified orange juice without increasing their risk of stone formation. Patients drinking 600 mg of calcium in beverage form developed no kidney stones.

Milk decreases risk of Diabetes

As the following study shows, milk may lower the risk of type 2 Diabetes in middle-aged or older women.

Milk decreases heart disease

Skim milk low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Note of Caution:

Unfortunately, milk and milk products cause an estimated 50% of the adult population's uncomfortable bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance can result from two things: either through a natural enzyme deficiency, which prevents the body from digesting milk sugars, or through an allergy to milk itself. The amount of lactase, the intestinal enzyme responsible for the digestion of lactose, the sugar found in milk, typically declines naturally after weaning, unless the body is genetically predisposed to produce more lactase.

A solution to the discomfort of lactose intolerance can be the consumption of dairy products pre-digested by lactase.
One additional reason for you to drink milk if you have kids, is that you as a parent, are setting an example for them. So drink a glass of milk before bedtime as from today to your health!