Cows have long been bred around the world to produce milk. This tasty, nutritious product can provide a person with the necessary set of vitamins and microelements that are easily absorbed by the body. However, many people develop lactose intolerance, experience stomach pain, nausea, and other unpleasant sensations. Disputes about the benefits and harms of cow's milk do not subside among scientists, doctors, and supporters of a healthy diet.
Calorie content and chemical composition
The calorie content of cow's milk depends on its fat content.A drink with a fat content of 3.5% contains 63-66 kilocalories. It contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, a B complex of vitamins, vitamins A and C. Milk fat is easily digestible; when milk is stored, it rises to the surface, forming a creamy layer. Milk sugar gives the drink its characteristic taste.
Microelements present in milk (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron) are easily absorbed by the human body. Cow's milk contains: ascorbic and nicotinic acids, riboflavin, thiamine. The properties of milk to prevent the absorption of other products have made it indispensable for poisoning.
The balance of taste and benefits, the ability to make a mass of familiar products from milk (cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir) have made it an important component of the human diet for several millennia.
Benefits of cow's milk for the human body
It allows you to obtain a complex of substances necessary for the growth, development and maintenance of all systems of the human body. Ryazhenka and kefir have a beneficial effect on digestion; whole milk and cottage cheese saturate the body with calcium, which affects the condition of bones, hair, and teeth. The presence of potassium and magnesium strengthens the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
For women
Cow's milk has long been considered essential for women. A daily glass of drink provides the body’s need for vitamins and minerals, in addition:
- Improves the condition of skin, nails, hair.
- Protects bones from osteoporosis, especially during menopause.
- Relaxes and calms because it contains B vitamins and magnesium.
- Improves complexion. Prevents the development of anemia.
It is useful for pregnant and lactating women.Systematic consumption reduces the risk of dental problems, relieves heartburn, and helps with constipation. Milk and dairy products are used in cosmetology. A kefir mask reduces oiliness and whitens the skin; a spoonful of sour cream applied to the face will make dry skin soft and elastic.
For men
Natural cow's milk is rich in protein; the carbohydrates included in the product allow it to be quickly absorbed and help build muscle mass, making muscles voluminous and prominent. The drink adds strength and replenishes spent energy. A few more advantages of consuming the product for the stronger half of humanity:
- The high potassium content strengthens the cardiovascular system.
- The natural product has a beneficial effect on potency and improves the condition of sperm.
- Systematic consumption improves the nervous system.
- It is given to people working in hazardous industries (miners, welders, foundry workers) to reduce the impact of negative factors.
Of course, you should choose whole fresh milk and products made from it.
For children
Milk and products made from it are essential for children's bodies. Systematic consumption relieves babies from rickets and anemia, ensures the growth and development of the baby. In the absence of breastfeeding, it becomes an almost complete substitute. Of course it's high fat content of homemade milk can cause digestive upset in a small child, in which case it is diluted or introduced into the diet gradually, in small portions.
The product should be purchased in a store or from trusted people who carefully monitor their own cows.Milk purchased from private individuals or farmers must be boiled before consumption.
For the elderly
Disputes about the necessity and dangers of cow's milk for older people do not subside among doctors. Old people need high-quality foods with vitamins and minerals that are easily digestible. Real milk strengthens bones, normalizes digestion, vitamin B increases nerve conduction of muscle fibers.
It is easily digestible, improves the condition of the cardiovascular system, and helps you fall asleep. Fermented milk products are recommended to improve digestion. Milk consumption is recommended for older people under increased physical, mental and emotional stress.
Harm and contraindications of the product
Milk and products made from it are contraindicated for people allergic to lactose. Unpleasant sensations arise from excessive consumption, use of an expired or improperly stored drink. Many people cannot drink fresh or too rich milk. It is not recommended to consume a steamed product that has not undergone any heat treatment (especially for children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly).
A high-fat drink can cause the development of atherosclerosis, increased cholesterol, weight gain and even the development of diabetes. People suffering from diseases of the pancreas, stomach, and intestines should not drink full-fat milk.
Children under one year old and elderly people over 70 years of age should replace cow's milk with goat's milk. These categories of consumers should absolutely not eat fatty sour cream and cream. The drink is introduced into the diet of babies gradually, in small doses; the option intended for baby food should be used.It can be diluted with water and used for preparing porridges and stewing vegetables.
When purchasing a product in a store, you should choose pasteurized milk, as it retains vitamins and minerals. The ultra-pasteurized version is stored longer, but does not contain useful substances.
Rules for selection and storage
When choosing a product in a retail chain, you should pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions of the drink. You should choose a reputable manufacturer. Before putting milk in the cart, you need to inspect the packaging. It should not be damaged or swollen, with streaks on the label. It is better not to purchase dairy products on store promotions. If a well-known manufacturer offers a discount on a drink, you can take milk without fear.
At the market, milk and dairy products should be purchased from tidy sellers who have documents for the goods. Milk should be stored on the top shelves of the refrigerator. Once the package is opened, it should be consumed within 3 days. Products with a strong odor should not be placed near milk. The farm product should be boiled, cooled and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Use a clean, dry spoon to scoop sour cream or fermented baked milk from a large container.
For long-term storage, milk can be placed in the freezer; in this case, it should be defrosted in air. Milk and dairy products allow you to diversify your diet, are a source of valuable substances, and finally, they are tasty and healthy for humans. When consuming, you need to know when to stop, remember your own problems (diseases, allergies), and choose a high-quality assortment. Then they will bring nothing but benefit.
