Recently the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) published their 5th report on the distribution of milk and curds consumption across North and South India. Interestingly, through their survey the NFHS noticed that although the states of Northern India had better per capita availability of milk, people in the states of Northern India fall behind in milk and curd consumption as compared with the people in the states of Southern India. (https://theprint.in/india/you-thought-north-consumes-more-doodh-dahi-nope-south-india-does-say-nfhs-findings/1425124/) Irrespective of the results of the survey and what state you belong to, it is important to include milk and curds in your regular diet. Read further to know why...

Most of us are aware that milk is packed with many nutrients that strengthen the body and help maintain good health if consumed regularly. Studies have shown that milk is loaded with at least nine essential nutrients. In fact milk has for long been touted as ‘the whole meal’ as, in addition to making you feel full it also provides you with the daily required nutrients. Discussed in this health article are a few more reasons for ‘Why you should consume milk more regularly?’

Milk strengthens your bones and teeth

Studies have shown that a glass of milk (250 ml), contains about 285mg calcium, which makes up to 20% of the recommended daily requirement of the mineral. Due to the virtue of its rich calcium content milk acts as an excellent dietary source that provides strength to your bones and teeth. Regular consumption of milk prevents bones turning brittle. In addition to calcium, milk also contains phosphorus and proteins called caseins. The combination of calcium, phosphorus, and caseins protects teeth from cavities and decay. 

Milk is good for your heart and liver

The calcium in milk is good for heart health. The calcium strengthens heart muscles maintaining their contractions. Thus regular consumption of milk can protect you from fatal diseases like high blood pressure and the possibility of having a stroke. Additionally, lactose in the milk helps your liver reduce the production of bad cholesterol. 

Milk helps prevent acidity and heartburn

Drinking a glass of milk after a meal loaded with acidic and spicy foods is very effective in preventing acidity and heartburn. Milk has a cooling effect that coats the esophageal and stomach lining.

Milk helps control obesity

Since milk is loaded with many nutrients, a glass of milk leaves you with a feeling of stomach fullness and keeps you satiated for long. This stops you from eating frequently or eating the extra calories. Milk is therefore very good for weight watchers. 

Milk keeps your skin and hair woes away

The goodness of milk is not just restricted to internally strengthening your body. Milk has various properties that enhance your beauty as well by keeping your skin and hair woes away. Milk is used as an essential ingredient in several homemade skin masks that give a natural glow to your skin. Studies suggest that milk is also helpful in lightening your skin. Additionally, milk also naturally imparts moisture to your skin and hair and prevents dryness and dullness. 

Take home message - Regular consumption of milk is very beneficial to your health. It is highly recommended that you make a conscious choice of including milk in your diet or consume milk on a more regular basis to get the maximum benefits. There are several ways you can reap the goodness of milk. If you don’t like plain milk you can always flavor it up as per your choice with chocolate, fruits, turmeric, almond powder, cardamom, etc. But, be careful to not add too much sugar or sweeteners in your milk to avoid loading extra and empty calories. Also if you are someone who doesn’t prefer milk straight-up, you can opt for any of its byproducts like curd (yogurt) and buttermilk to gain similar benefits. While most people can digest milk without any problems, people with lactose intolerance are advised to avoid milk.

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