The Great Milk Debate
Once upon a time, milk got a lot of publicity for being super healthy. The “Got Milk” campaign was at the front lines for making milk a hot topic among health nuts. Then, it seemed to take a back seat with some fitness professionals claiming it could actually make you unhealthy. So, what is the truth? Is milk good for you or is it a bad food in disguise? While the ultimate decision is up to you, it’s ok to weigh the good and the bad. Here are some great healthy benefits of drinking milk on a regular basis.
Vitamin D
You may not be aware, but Vitamin D is essential for your health. While you can get this all important vitamin from the sun, it’s important to get it elsewhere as well. Surprisingly, there are not very many foods that contain Vitamin D naturally. Actually the list is relatively small, with some exotic seafood topping the list. This is where milk comes into play. Milk is one of the most common sources of Vitamin D. To keep yourself from developing a deficiency and the host of bad symptoms that come along with it, make sure you get enough of this vitamin by drinking a glass of milk a day.
Calcium
This is a little more common knowledge. Milk is a great source of calcium, which is necessary for proper functioning of the body. Calcium is needed for strong and healthy teeth and bones. Consuming enough milk can be great for keeping the bones strong and warding off osteoporosis. It can also prove beneficial for your teeth, keeping away cavities and limiting breakage caused by less than stellar nutrition.
Lower Stress
Though the science of this is unknown, a warm glass of milk can help to lower stress levels. That is why some doctors recommend a warm glass of milk before bed to help you wind down and relax. Perhaps it’s the soothing effect that milk can have on the stomach, making you feel full. It could also be the burst of nutrients and vitamins that it gives your body causing it to be nutritionally satisfied.
While milk will likely stay in the midst of controversy for many years, it definitely has some great benefits that should be considered. Drink a glass a day to enjoy the benefits of this drink, and to keep the body healthier and stronger for the long run.