Myth: Milk is bad for adults
Conversations about the dangers of lactose and the inadequacy of milk consumption among adults are increasingly emerging. But is this really true? Let’s figure it out.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, approximately 65% of the population cannot digest lactose, the milk sugar, due to a lack of the enzyme lactase in their bodies. However, this is not due to the fact that drinking animal milk is contraindicated for adults.
Even in early childhood, all people produce lactase, which is necessary for the absorption of lactose contained in mother’s milk. During adulthood, this gene is switched off because adults are not breastfed and the enzyme is no longer produced.
However, in some adults the gene remains active. The ability to digest lactose is especially pronounced in residents of regions where domestic animal milk is traditionally consumed. For example, in Russia up to 80% of the population tolerates milk without problems. However, in Africa or China the situation is reversed.
Myth: Milk is unhealthy because of its sugar content
Milk contains about 4.7% sugar (lactose), which is slightly less than in natural berries. It’s important to note that this amount of sugar is not a problem. However, you should avoid foods with free sugar, that is, added sugar, and do not drink it in tea or eat foods with sweeteners. In some countries, especially in Asia, milk with sugar is popular – drinking this is completely unhealthy.
Myth: Milk causes weight gain
Milk itself is not a fatty or high-calorie food and does not have a significant effect on body weight. Weight gain is more related to general health, lifestyle and diet, rather than a specific food or drink.
If your diet is rich in fatty and sweet foods, and your physical activity is low, then milk is unlikely to be the main reason for weight gain. If you live an active life and follow a balanced diet, then consuming dairy products will not harm your figure.
The caloric content of cow’s milk with a fat content of 3.2% is approximately 60 kcal per 100 g, which is not a large value – one chocolate bar contains 10 times more calories.
Myth: Milk causes acne
There is some evidence suggesting a possible link between milk consumption and acne, but there is no clear evidence that dairy products actually cause skin problems.
If you analyze the studies confirming this connection, it becomes clear that they did not take into account the influence of other factors, and study participants estimated the amount of milk they drank and the degree of rashes from memory, which is not an objective assessment.
Myth: Milk contains many antibiotics
Research at Roskachestvo revealed that milk may actually contain antibiotics that get there from the cow’s body if they were used to treat it. However, in most cases the drugs are in trace amounts, which is not prohibited.
However, Roskachestvo requirements prohibit even traces of antibiotics, since regular use of antimicrobial agents, even in small quantities, can lead to the formation of drug-resistant bacteria.
Myth: Dairy products increase mucus production in the respiratory system and cause asthma
An experiment conducted by Australian scientists showed that there was no difference in the amount of nasal discharge between people who consumed milk and those who did not consume it.
However, other studies indicate the possibility of asthma and runny nose symptoms in people with milk protein allergies. Mucus discharge is a characteristic sign of allergies to various allergens, including milk protein.
Myth: Alternative milk is healthier than traditional milk
It is not fair to compare almond, soy, coconut, rice and other milk alternatives to traditional milk. After all, these are completely different products with different compositions of vitamins and nutrients!
Drinks based on soy, coconut, and nuts can be a good alternative for people who are intolerant to milk protein or lactose. However, for everyone else, there is no need to completely give up regular milk and switch to plant-based alternatives.
Fresh plant-based milk, whether made in your kitchen or from a manufacturer you trust, is healthy and rich in protein and minerals. However, often packaged plant milks are nothing more than watered-down nut/soy powder and have no benefit at all.
