MAKING MERRY WITH MILK

Human being is the only mammal who drinks the milk of another mammal and this drink is most pleasurable at a cold temperature when the mercury rises.

A cold glass of milk, flavoured or natural just before going to bed or the first thing in the morning is liked by all age groups. The latest trend of Vegan, especially popular in developed countries, suggests limited or no use of animal or dairy based products. Indians traditionally consumes dairy products as the major source of nutrition since centuries. It is an integral part of their diet and even perceived sacred.

Health Issues

As is the case with most en joyab le products, there have been scares about milk consumption as well . While some studies link it to breast cancer others say that too much of milk or even other dairy products could be harmful as it leads to high cholesterol levels.

Most of these studies are then refuted in a short time by yet another study that would declare that drinking milk does not cause coronary artery problems and that it actually protects against poor health.

A Bristol University study revealed that even drinking full fat milk, which was more common a couple of decades ago, was not linked to an increase in deaths from coronary heart disease. In fact heart disease death rates among regular milk drinkers were even found to be lower.

Report author Dr Andy Ness, a Senior Lecturer at Bristol University, said his research could not find any health problems associated with moderate milk consumption. “People have been discouraged from drinking milk, but we cannot find a link between this and heart problems,” said Ness. .

In Favour of Moderation

When we speak of advantages or disadvantages of milk consumption by adults we are not talking of unlimited consumption of extra quantity, or even full fat milk, for that matter. Skimmed milk is easier to digest, gives the same benefit, and is considered better than full fat milk for health benefits.