Is Milk Healthy for Humans?
By: Luke Bean
Milk is very important to the growth of human’s muscular system. Milk strengthens bones and often prevents sickness. An 8 ounce serving of almond milk provides up to half of the daily requirement of vitamin E (the nutrient that promotes healthy skin). Although it is rich in vitamin e, almond milk only has 1 to 2 grams of protein per cup compared to 8 grams in cow milk. Goat milk is very healthy. Drinking goat milk will reduce 70 calories and 5.5 grams of saturated fat each day compared to cow milk. Also, goat milk contains more heart healthy omega 3 fats, bone building calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It also has conjugated linoleic acid, which may aid in fat loss.
Another type of milk that is healthy is soy milk. Soy milk is a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant or lack protein in a diet. As with other nondairy milks, ‘’Soy milk is unsweetened and is fortified with calcium and vitamin D to keep our bones strong’’(http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2015/03/18/which-type-of-milk-is-healthiest). Amazingly, soy milk contains more hunger-fighting protein than all other faux milks: About 7 grams per cup. Some new research suggests soy fights cancer and comes down on the side of it being protective against cancer. On the other hand, non-digestible carbohydrates called oligosaccharides may cause stomach pain and gas in some people.
The final type of milk is low fat Chocolate milk: ‘’British scientists found that people who downed chocolate milk after an intense workout were able to bike up to 50 percent longer after a 4-hour rest period than when they drank a sports drink’’(http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2015/03/18/which-type-of-milk-is-healthiest).This is because the combination of carbohydrates, protein and electrolytes in chocolate milk helps muscles recover from exercise faster. However, chocolate milk is also high in sugar, so save it as a go-to post-workout drink and stick with unsweetened milk during other times. All these types of milks are great examples of how milk is healthy for humans.