8 Health Benefits Of Milk

Sometimes it seems like the health community is always changing its mind about whether or not milk is actually good for us. Every year we hear new advice, new restrictions, and new horrifying statistics. So, when you sift through all of the information, the question remains: does milk really do the body good?

8 Health Benefits of Milk (Slideshow)

The answer is yes, more or less. As with so many food-related questions, what's right for you is personal. It is based on your preferences, you dietary restrictions, and your allergies. At this point, milk comes in so many forms that you can almost certainly find one that fits your lifestyle. Cow's milk, sheep's milk, goat's milk, even camel's milk is available on the market for those interested. Rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk are all popular non animal-based products. You can even buy lactose-free cow's milk now, if you're interested in sticking with the old classic, but find yourself intolerant.

Learning about the health benefits of different kinds of milk can be very helpful in choosing which kind is right for you. For example, almond milk is extremely low in saturated fat, but also has little protein in it. Think of how you are using milk to supplement your diet, which benefits you are looking to get from it, and select the type that fits your needs. Also take into consideration who is drinking the milk you purchase and when they are drinking it; gender and age dictate how many servings of milk and dairy should be consumed in a day, fat content can be increased at certain times of the day, and using milk instead of water in protein smoothies can aid in building muscle if used in conjunction with a rigorous exercise routine. Taste is yet another important factor to include in choosing which kind of milk is right for you.

The best way to find which food and drinks fit you best is to try several different kinds and see which work best with your taste, dietary, and lifestyle choices. Here are a few reasons why milk is worth drinking.

It Can Help Reduce Signs of Aging

Dr. Israel Diarte Arellano, MD and specialist of maternal and prenatal health, says that milk can help us look younger, since "the proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants present in milk can help repair the skin... and help slow signs of age on the skin."

 

It Can Help Alleviate PMS Symptoms

Multiple studies have shown that consuming four servings of low-fat dairy products a day can help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

See more health benefits of milk.

This post was originally published on September 11, 2014.