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Cow Questions: What is Milk Good For?

Zoom Local News > Uncategorized > Cow Questions: What is Milk Good For?

Cow Questions: What is Milk Good For?

Ever tried sheep’s milk?

Most of us drink cow’s milk, but did you know it tastes just as good if it’s from a goat or sheep?

Milk is a staple in diets across the world, and it’s been that way for thousands of years. But did you ever stop and ask yourself why?

Milk Is Loaded With Nutrients

In all its forms, milk is packed with the good stuff. That’s why mammals nurse their young with milk. It builds bones, strengthens immune systems, and provides the body with everything it needs to be in fighting shape.

It’s an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fats that can cause health issues if they’re lacking from a diet. It’s also rich in protein for a liquid.

Healthy Bones Need Milk

Or rather, calcium.

Mom (or grandma) always insisted that we drink our milk to grow big and strong. And there’s truth to that.

More than 99% of the calcium stored by your body is in your bones and teeth, and your body can’t make calcium on its own. It has to come from your diet.

That’s on top of the other nutrients your bones need, like phosphorous and vitamin K2. Which are also in milk.

Adequate intake of proteins, calcium, and other minerals are all crucial factors in maintaining bone health and preventing bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Milk Is a Flexible Ingredient

Have you ever tried eating condensed milk from the can?

From pancakes and omelets to milkshakes and cappuccinos, milk is a vital ingredient in recipes across the world.

Its unique combination of fats and proteins makes it great in just about anything we add it to.

Milk Alternatives for the Lactose Intolerant

There’s an enormous market around animal product alternatives, and milk is no exception. Lactose intolerance affects more than half of the world’s population to some degree – in spite of how awesome milk is.

Some estimates put lactose intolerance as high as 65%. That’s two-thirds of the world’s population, unable to drink milk. That’s a lot of people.

If you find you have complications when consuming milk, such as stomach cramps, nausea, swelling, or diarrhea, you may have a milk allergy or intolerance. This can be made worse by modified milk ingredients, too.

But don’t despair. Even if you are lactose intolerant (or vegan) there’s doubtless an alternative that suits your needs:

  • Almond milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Soy milk
  • Cashew milk
  • Oat milk

Almond milk is relatively neutral in flavor and is lower in calories than cow’s milk. Coconut milk is notably creamy, while soy milk is probably closest to the real thing. Oat milk is quite thick in consistency, making it great for tea and coffee.

They’re all broadly the same in that they’re, well, milk. But if you’ve spent your life drinking cow’s milk, you may find that alternatives take some getting used to.

Don’t be afraid to try new products out. Many non-vegetarians switch to plant-based milk products simply because they like the taste better.

Try Out New Flavors

Milk is great. It’s loaded with nutrients and we’ve been adding it to recipes for millennia.

And there’s no need to stick to the milk we get from cows – even if you don’t have a milk allergy. It’s easier than ever to find plant-based alternatives, and if you make the switch, you may find you never go back.

If you found our article helpful, be sure to check out others in our health category.

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