Commonly served during breakfast and a perfect nighttime beverage, milk comprises a lot of nutrients that the body needs for different bodily functions. It is considered the perfect drink for people who are seeking to have a well-balanced diet. However, while this drink is generally safe for everyone to consume, concern is being raised if milk is good and harmless for diabetes individuals to take in.
Milk is a form of liquid secreted from the mammary glands of mammals. It is known to be a good source of fat and protein. A healthy mother is able to produce the kind of milk necessary for her newborn baby. Meanwhile, milk is also drawn from a cow’s mammary gland, which is then processed commercially and sold in the market. Today, there are a lot of brands of milk sold commercially that are already being processed and preserved to meet the general public’s needs for milk consumption.
What you purchase in stores or supermarkets today is dairy milk collected from different farm animals. This is a type of agricultural product that contains vitamins, minerals, and other macronutrients necessary for the human body to function. Milk is the same opaque white liquid used in producing dairy products, such as the famous ice cream, yogurt, cheese, butter, and cream. Additionally, milk is the same by-product utilized and mixed in producing powdered milk, whey protein, casein, and condensed milk.
What are the benefits of milk?
Before delving into the connection between milk and diabetes, let us learn first the benefits of consuming milk. Consider the following advantages of taking in milk products.
- It promotes bone health – Milk is known to be a rich source of calcium. Consuming milk can prevent bone damage. It gives the bone healthy and well-established support.
- It has a lot of nutrients – Milk is also considered a superfood because of its nutrients. It contains vitamin B12, Riboflavin, and Phosphorus.
- It relaxes the body and mind – This is one of the reasons why milk is taken during nighttime. A cup of milk can ease your mind and calm your nerves.
- It promotes weight loss – Aside from promoting high levels of energy, a glass of milk is a perfect substitute for unhealthy snacks. Drinking milk will help you prevent consuming unhealthy foods that make you fat.
- It is rich in protein – Apart from fat, milk is known to have a rich amount of protein. It helps in muscle building and assists in the development of skin tissues.
- It eases heartburn – The reason why milk is consumed when too many spicy foods are ingested is because it prevents heartburn from developing. It is also recommended to cool the milk first to get the best results.
- It hydrates the body – Aside from water, milk also helps the body to remain hydrated. Note that when the body is dehydrated, it can be very dangerous, most especially for those who are ill. Keeping the body hydrated by drinking milk is necessary.
How is milk associated with diabetes?
It is believed that milk is somewhat connected with type 1 diabetes; however, the evidence supporting this claim is weak. In fact, consuming at least 8 ounces of low-fat milk or yogurt is proven to be protective and will help in preventing the acquisition of type 2 diabetes. This is also one of the reasons why yogurt is considered safe even for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
What makes milk largely associated with diabetes is the presence of lactose in this product. If you haven’t known yet, the sweet taste of milk is what lactose yields. It also contributes to the number of calories already present in cow’s milk. With this information, you will know that it can already cause the blood sugar levels to increase; however, proper and controlled consumption of this product will not affect how the blood sugar levels function.
Aside from type 2 diabetes, there are other diabetes-induced complications that can be prevented if milk is consumed. Some of these complications include obesity and heart disease. Since milk is known to have a good amount of fat, it doesn’t necessarily mean to be harmful. In fact, the fat contained in different milk products or items comprises a fatty acid known as butyrate. This compound is highly capable of inhibiting inflammation or soreness that causes the mentioned health complications.
Types of milk
If you are reluctant to consume milk amidst your diabetes diagnosis, there are actually types of milk that you can choose from. These varieties are already considered healthy based on the balance of nutritional information and volume they have. Consider the following:
- Whole milk
- Skim milk
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Flax milk
- Rice milk
The mentioned types are those that are best recommended for individuals with diabetes. They are also unsweetened types, making them safer for daily consumption. Note that if the milk you buy is so sweet and sugary, then it has a large amount of carbohydrates.
Takeaway
Generally, consuming milk on a daily basis is safe for individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes. If you don’t feel the need to drink milk regularly, there are milk products that you can eat, such as yogurt. Note that even if something is safe for you to consume, doesn’t mean you have to abuse them. This rule also applies to milk consumption. Drink moderately and make sure you are always on the right track in keeping your diabetes managed and controlled.
