Is milk really good for you? Let's find out
What's the story
Milk is a staple in our diets, but it is surrounded by a number of myths and misconceptions.
Be it its nutritional value or its health effects, milk often finds itself in the center of debates.
This article attempts to debunk some common myths about milk and tells you some facts that everyone should know.
Weight myth
Milk causes weight gain
A common misconception is that drinking milk makes you gain weight because of its fat content.
However, studies indicate that drinking milk in moderation does not necessarily lead to weight gain.
In fact, some studies indicate that dairy products may even help with weight management by keeping you full and maintaining muscle mass.
Lactose myth
Lactose intolerance means no dairy
Many people think that if they're lactose intolerant, they should avoid all dairy products altogether.
While lactose intolerance impacts the digestion of lactose present in milk, many people can still eat certain dairy products (like yogurt or cheese) without an issue.
These products often contain lesser amounts of lactose or have good bacteria that help with digestion.
Bone health myth
Milk is essential for strong bones
Milk is often marketed as the key to strong bones because of its calcium content.
While calcium is important for bone health, it's not the only thing that comes into play.
Vitamin D, magnesium, and physical activity are also important when it comes to maintaining bone strength.
A balanced diet with a range of nutrients will keep your bones healthy much more than milk alone.
Organic myth
Organic milk is more nutritious
There is a perception that organic milk offers superior nutrition compared to conventional milk.
Nutritionally, both organic and conventional milks are similar in terms of protein, vitamins, and minerals content.
The choice between them often comes down to personal preference regarding farming practices, rather than nutritional differences.
Fat content myth
Skim milk is always healthier than whole milk
Skim milk is often seen as healthier because of its lesser fat content than whole milk.
But whole milk has healthy fats, which can be good for your heart when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Skim or whole should be a choice based on one's dietary needs, and not an assumption of health benefits by merely looking at fat content.