Learn more about the health benefits of drinking another glass of cow juice. Choosing regular ol’ milk isn’t as bad of a choice as it seems…
Benefits of Drinking Milk
The evidence is stacking, and milk seems to be a big winner; research continues to point to a positive role in individual health. Offering positive effects on heart disease, muscle development, and depression prevention. The USDA and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans say you should be downing three servings of milk and dairy food each day.
The Heart
A cow’s milk is a great way of getting more potassium. And two of the benefits of potassium are enhanced vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. By decreasing sodium intake and increasing potassium (milk!) one can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Be careful when dramatically increasing potassium intake; this could spur on risk including heart problems.
Oh yeah – according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2 percent of US adults meet the daily recommendation of 4700 mg.
Psst… Milk isn’t your only option for potassium. Here are some other potassium-rich foods: oranges, tomatoes, lima beans, spinach, bananas, prunes, and yogurt.
Strong Muscles
Cow’s milk helps baby cows turn into strong bulls, so it’s no wonder why humans who drink enough can bulk up quickly. It conveniently contains all of the essential amino acids and is a rich source of high-quality protein. Whole milk also has the added “benefit” of saturated fat – preventing muscle mass from being used for energy.
After careful analysis of over 20 clinical trials, milk was found to boost muscle mass and strength during resistance exercise in both old and young adults. It doesn’t seem to significantly help people lose weight; although, you could drink low-fat which will provide the same benefits of regular milk – with fewer calories.
Depression
Cow’s milk and other foods often come packed with vitamin D. Serotonin, a hormone associated with mood, appetite, and sleep, is produced by adequate levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with depression, as well as chronic fatigue and PMS. While vitamin D helps fight the battle of depression, it also supports calcium absorption in the small intestine.
You Shouldn’t Drink Milk If…
You are lactose intolerant. A condition where a person lacks the enzyme needed to break down milk for proper digestion.
You have a milk allergy or hypersensitivity. A condition where an abnormal immunologic reaction produces an allergy antibody, called immunoglobulin antibody.
You are over-consuming potassium or phosphorus. Both are found in high levels, and can harm kidneys that are not fully functional – this could lead to death.
You are over-consuming calcium. This is rare, but it could cause constipation, kidney stones or even kidney failure.
Craving milk now? We recommend Fairlife Milk! It contains 50% more protein and 30% more calcium than ordinary milk.
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