Milk is a liquid or fluid of a biological nature that is secreted by all female mammals through their mammary glands . Its primary function is to provide the sustenance, nutrients and food required for the development and growth of the young in the early stages of their lives. With the appellation “milk”, “cow’s milk” is commonly designated, to name the milk of other species the name of the species is assigned to differentiate them, for example: goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, etc. If you want to know more about this vital food, we invite you to read this article in its entirety, where everything related to this wonderful natural sustenance will be fully addressed.
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Index
Origin of milk
It can be safely stated that milk is one of the most primitive foods that exist. Man has used milk as a food since prehistoric ages . In ancient times, men primarily fed on cow’s milk, but they also consumed other types of milk, such as goat’s milk. It should be noted that although milk has been a food consumed since ancient times, nothing was known for sure about its properties and benefits.
It is from the 1950s that milk began to be commercialized in a massive way and industrialized methods began to be applied to optimize its quality and so that it can be preserved for longer. Later, different types of milk emerged, enriched with vitamins, skimmed, powdered, etc. And it has also been widely revealed what its properties are, what nutrients it gives us and why its consumption is so important and recommended.
For more information you can read this article on How to Improve Lactose Intolerance or Poor Digestion
How much milk can I consume per day?
According to various guidelines from major nutrition institutions worldwide, it is recommended that you consume between 2 and 4 servings of milk and its derivatives per day . This in general, but it is important to note that consumption should vary depending on the age and health status of each person.
For infants it is recommended that they only ingest breast milk , at least their first six months, if this is not possible then they should be fed milk formulas duly recommended by their pediatrician.
For children and adults a daily intake of 3 servings of milk or its derivatives is recommended.
For pregnant women and adolescents, a daily intake of 4 servings of milk and its derivatives is recommended. This group of people needs more nutrients, so their daily ration should be higher.
For people of the third age or older than 60 years , a daily intake of 3 daily servings of milk and its derivatives is recommended.
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Milk characteristics
Milk is characterized by being a whitish liquid with a matte tone, with a certain viscosity. Its characteristics can change according to the species from which it is derived, as well as can vary according to the industrial processes to which it has been subjected .
Milk is generally a white liquid with a certain yellowish hue. Its flavor can turn out to be an intermediate between sweetness and acidity. Its texture will depend on the size of each particle that makes up the liquid and its smell will largely depend on the smells that are in the environment.
Why is it good to take it before bed?
We have always read and heard that having a glass of milk before bed is deeply beneficial to us. But perhaps we have never been very clear about the reason for this popular recommendation.
According to studies in the matter, ingesting milk before sleeping is highly positive because it contains a substance known as tryptophan, which is the raw material of serotonin, a fundamental hormone for our sleep . Tryptophan also helps us make melatonin, a substance that helps us regulate our internal clock and tells us that it is time to sleep. So having a glass of milk just before bed can help us fall asleep more easily and prevent insomnia.
It is important to bear in mind that not all people assimilate lactose in the same way, therefore if you do not tolerate it, it is not recommended that you have a glass before going to sleep. For this remedy to be effective it is necessary that you drink a glass of warm milk at least 15 minutes before going to sleep and that you do not accompany this drink with any type of food.
For more information, see our articles on: Tryptophan and its relation to depression and other similar disorders
Types of milk
Condensed milk
WHAT IS IT?
Condensed milk is cow’s milk to which the water has been properly extracted and sugar has been added . This milk is thick and tastes quite sweet. It can be kept in packaging for a long time as long as the packaging has not been opened.
Condensed milk is widely used in baking and is also a star ingredient in some types of gourmet-style coffee.
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BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Condensed milk retains many of the properties that ordinary milk has. Among the benefits that its consumption brings us we find:
Take care of our bone structure . It provides us with significant amounts of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are properly absorbed by our bones and after this they tend to strengthen and invigorate.
It gives us energy : Some nutritionists say that after an intense exercise session it is advisable to consume a small portion of condensed milk, since its consumption gives us a feeling of energy and vitality.
Take care of our skin: Due to the considerable amount of vitamin A in condensed milk, its consumption can help us keep our skin in excellent condition.
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Promotes our cardiovascular health: Due to its generous levels of magnesium, our cardiovascular system can function in a much more optimal way. Its consumption helps us prevent the formation of blood clots.
Helps our nervous system: Condensed milk contains several minerals, including phosphorus, and this mineral is a fundamental piece to achieve the proper functioning of our nervous system.
Fortifies our immune system: Due to the amount of minerals and vitamins it contains, consuming condensed milk helps us raise our defenses and strengthen our immune system.
It is important to note that although condensed milk can be very beneficial to our health, we must consume it very moderately since it contains a high amount of sugar and fat that can be harmful for some people, especially for those who tend to suffer from overweight. Its consumption is not recommended for diabetics or for those who are lactose intolerant. Although it contains a good amount of calcium and this is good in general for our teeth and bones, we must bear in mind that condensed milk has a lot of sugar and its excessive consumption can cause cavities and damage our dental health.
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Evaporated milk
WHAT IS IT?
Evaporated milk is processed cow’s milk, which has had up to 60% of the water removed. It can be kept in storage for a long time due to its strict packaging process.
In general, when the water it contains is removed from a food, it can have a much longer shelf life.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Like all types of milk, evaporated milk has multiple nutritional properties and its consumption has great benefits. Despite the fact that it is subjected to various industrial processes, it still retains the properties common to milk in general . Among these benefits we find a great nutritional contribution, improvement and conservation of our bone structure due to its high calcium level, increased energy and strengthening of our immune system among other great benefits.
Coconut milk
WHAT IS IT?
Coconut milk is liquid that is obtained by grinding the coconut meat and mixing it with water. It is a very popular drink that can be consumed fresh or also in its packaged and commercialized forms.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Consuming coconut milk can be tremendously positive for our health. It has a great nutritional wealth. It has many vitamins and minerals, among the vitamins it contains B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6. In addition, it contains a significant amount of vitamin C. It has many minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. And her sugar level is very low. Consuming coconut milk gives us a lot of nutrition in a single glass and gives us a revitalizing and energetic effect.
Coconut milk does not contain lactose, so its consumption is highly recommended for those who suffer from lactose intolerance. Although it has significant amounts of fat, they are not harmful to our health, and it is false that their consumption can cause us to become overweight or obese. But anyway it should be consumed in moderation.
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Skim milk
WHAT IS IT?
Skim milk, also called skimmed milk, is cow’s milk from which the fat has been eliminated through a centrifugation process. The suppressed fat is used to make butter and cream.
The consumption of skim milk is basically indicated for those people who follow special diets and have been prohibited from consuming whole or whole milk.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Skim milk retains many of the characteristics and properties of whole milk. Among the benefits that its consumption brings to the body we find:
Strengthening our bones: Because it is so rich in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals when it comes to keeping our bones healthy and strong.
For our brain function : The brain performs multiple functions every day and phosphorus is a fundamental mineral when it comes to keeping our nervous system working optimally.
For those who follow diets : Skim milk is very low in fat, and this can help a lot for people who want to lose weight but at the same time want to continue benefiting from the wonderful properties of milk. Its consumption is also recommended for those who want to lower their cholesterol levels.
To give us an extra dose of energy: After any intense physical activity, having a glass of skim milk can help us to replenish and regain our energy.
Consuming skim milk can also help us fall asleep and sleep better, if you have a glass before going to sleep, its consumption can also help us maintain a much healthier skin.
Breastmilk
WHAT IS IT?
Breast milk is a natural food par excellence and is produced by the mother to feed her baby. Breast milk has all the elements that the newborn needs for proper nutrition. If the baby consumes breast milk, he will not need anything else, since it contains exactly all the vitamins and proteins necessary for the adequate feeding of the baby.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
It has been scientifically proven that the consumption of breast milk by the baby is vital for its correct and proper development.
Since breast milk provides all the required nutrients and its composition changes as the baby grows, in order to provide exactly what he needs at each stage.
Breast milk provides antibodies to the baby and helps to strengthen its immune system, so its consumption will guarantee that the baby is not attacked by viruses or infections.
The consumption of breast milk also prevents the appearance of respiratory diseases and prevents the appearance of all kinds of allergies.
Babies who are breastfed generally do not tend to become overweight, as they are fed in a very complete and at the same time balanced way.
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Milk of magnesium
WHAT IS IT?
Milk of magnesia is a very popular derivative of magnesium hydroxide. It is obtained through the fusion of several chemical elements including magnesium hydroxide, chlorine and water. Milk of magnesia is characterized by being a white and watery liquid that is used for different purposes.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Among the benefits of the use and consumption of milk magnesia we find:
It is laxative: Milk magnesia is a traditional ally of those who suffer from constipation, due to its large amount of fiber it favors intestinal transit and promotes a fluid evaluation.
Deodorizes : Milk magnesia has the ability to reduce or reduce unpleasant odors, therefore some people have used it successfully as a deodorant
It is soothing : Milk of magnesia can help us soothe and relieve irritations and burns on our skin, due to its powerful regenerative action. Many mothers have also used milk of magnesia in place of diaper rash cream with great success.
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I’m milk
WHAT IS IT?
Soy milk is a very common milk in Asian countries, it is manufactured through the process of grinding soybeans. It is generally made at home, but it can also be found in commercial presentations of all kinds.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Consuming soy milk can be very beneficial, it is ideal for those who cannot consume cow’s milk.
Soy milk has a high amount of proteins that help us naturally regulate our cholesterol level, its wonderful components also prevent our arteries from clogging.
It has isoflavones that help us prevent the appearance of breast cancer. Its consumption also helps us prevent osteoporosis. It is excellent because it does not have lactose, so its consumption is ideal for those who suffer from lactose intolerance.
It is important to emphasize that its consumption should be moderate and that if you are allergic to soy and its derivatives, you should not drink soy milk in any way.
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Homogenized Milk
WHAT IS IT?
Homogenized milk is cow’s milk which has been treated and a homogenization process has been applied, which consists of reducing the amount of fat and thus favoring the milk to digest favorably.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
The main advantage of consuming homogenized milk is that it has less fat and that it is guaranteed that our stomach will be able to digest it more easily. At the same time, homogenized milk shares the same properties and benefits present in whole milk.
Therefore consuming it will help us to fortify our teeth and bones, improve our immune system, optimize our nervous system and improve our state of health in general.
Lactose free milk
WHAT IS IT?
Lactose-free milk is milk derived from skim milk in which lactose has also been suppressed. It should be noted that despite this, milk continues to retain all its nutritional wealth.
For some people, lactose is the reason why they avoid consuming milk. Since milk with lactose can cause slow and heavy digestions, and in some cases can cause vomiting and discomfort. Therefore, it is recommended for these people to consume lactose-free milk and thus avoid all these inconveniences.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
The great benefit of consuming lactose-free milk is that it suppresses or reduces all the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance .
At the same time the person can benefit from the classic properties of milk, it provides a large amount of calcium necessary for the health of our bones and teeth. as Since it does not contain lactose, it has less fat.
Tiger milk
WHAT IS IT?
Tiger milk is a popular drink originally from Peru, it is derived from ceviche. And it is made up of lemon, chili pepper and fish and seafood juice.
After eating ceviche, it is customary to drink the juice that accompanies it, this juice is what we know as tiger’s milk. Currently, tiger’s milk is consumed and taken separately, being currently a very popular drink.
Its name comes from popular ingenuity. They comment that those who drink this drink later feel like “tigers” and their lovemaking capacities are reinforced.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Tiger milk has restorative and aphrodisiac properties. It is consumed by those who feel fatigued or weak and want to increase their overall energy . They also consume it to combat the unpleasant effects of a hangover. And mostly those who want to increase their libido and sexual potency turn to it.
What are the benefits of hydrolyzed baby milk?
Hydrolyzed milk is that which babies consume when they are allergic to cow protein.
This milk, specially treated for this purpose, is very beneficial for those babies who have this peculiar allergy. Since they can consume it without any risk. It should be noted that this milk generally has a more bitter taste (due to its hydrolysis process) and its cost is considerably higher than that of other milk formulas. Therefore, its consumption is strictly aimed at children allergic to cow protein.
Why take it to prevent osteoporosis?
Milk has a large amount of calcium and vitamin D and both are essential elements in the maintenance and preservation of our health at the bone level. So its consumption is highly recommended for the elderly . Its regular consumption can prevent the appearance of osteoporosis as well as it can prevent the emergence of serious bone fractures.
Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium easily and thus our bones can be strengthened effectively and lastingly.
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Which milk is good for diabetics? Why?
It is important to bear in mind that the consumption of cow’s milk is not highly recommended for diabetic people, since it has a high amount of lactose. Lactose has a high glycemic index level.
It is preferable for diabetics to consume milk of plant and non-animal origin . One of the milks that they can consume is canary seed milk, it has even been affirmed that it has the ability to regenerate pancreatic function and can help to produce insulin normally.
Another recommended milk for people with diabetes is almond milk. It naturally regulates the level of glucose in the blood and also has great nutritional wealth.
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Is it good for gastritis?
It has been popularly claimed that having a glass of milk can alleviate the bothersome symptoms of gastritis and this is somewhat true. At the moment you can really feel a sense of soul and relief, but in the long term it is not recommended that you consume milk if you suffer from this disorder, since milk has a high pH, a fact that generates an abnormal increase in gastric cell activity and can even worsen the injuries you have at the gastric level.
Therefore, it is most advisable that you undergo adequate medical treatment to control your gastritis and alleviate this root problem.
Recommended for babies to drink
According to the World Health Organization, the ideal milk for babies is breast milk, at least during the first six months of life . If for health or other reasons the mother cannot offer this food to her baby, they are recommended to resort to starting milk formulas that are specially created to replace the lack of breast milk.
When the child is close to turning one year old, they are recommended to consume the so-called continuation formulas that have more vitamins and minerals that will help them in this stage of growth. After the child is one year old, it is possible to feed him with cow’s milk but it is necessary to consult a pediatrician in this regard, since it will depend on the health and physical conditions of each child.
Milk derivatives
Milk has a set of derivatives, among them we find:
The yogurt
It is a food that is produced through the fermentation process of milk. Through fermentation, lactose becomes acid. Its consumption is very beneficial for our digestive system, since it increases our stomach bacterial flora.
The cheese
It is another important derivative of milk, and it is basically coagulated milk to which salt is added and the whey is extracted. The cheese has a great nutritional wealth in concentrated form, since the water has been eliminated.
Other important derivatives of milk are whey, custard, heavy cream and butter. They are all highly nutritious foods and their consumption in moderation is very positive for our health.
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What does lactose intolerance mean?
Lactose intolerance is a particular state caused by not producing the required amount of lactase enzyme, which is the enzyme in charge of assimilating milk in our stomach. The lactose intolerant person has a number of symptoms such as an upset stomach and vomiting. As we have mentioned before in our article, there is a special lactose-free milk that can be consumed by people who suffer from this specific condition.
Contraindications and side effects
As we have discovered throughout this article, consuming milk on a daily basis can bring multiple benefits to our body, however it is important not to exceed said consumption. If you abuse milk consumption, you can probably gain weight and you can also suffer from different digestive problems such as stomach pain, gas or aerophagia and diarrhea. If you are lactose intolerant or allergic, you should not consume milk or any of its derivatives.
Consuming milk in excess can also cause multiple problems when our body needs to absorb iron. Therefore, whoever consumes milk indiscriminately surely has low iron levels and may develop anemia in the medium term.
Basic Recipes with milk
Make condensed milk
Condensed milk is very delicious and nutritious. In general, we usually buy it canned to add it to our desserts or also enjoy it alone. But you can make your own condensed milk at home. You will only need:
- 500 gr of sugar.
- 300 gr of powdered milk.
- 250 ml of water.
To prepare, you just have to mix these ingredients and pour them into a pot where all this will be cooked over low heat. It is important that you constantly stir this mixture with a wooden spoon. If the mixture is stirred it will thicken and form lumps and the desired consistency will not be achieved. When you feel that it has the desired texture, you must remove this mixture from the heat and let it cool. Once cold, you must pack it and refrigerate it properly. And that’s it! How to make your own condensed milk is really something very simple and practical.
Tres leches cake
Tres leches cake is a very delicious and popular dessert especially in Latin America . This tasty cake is composed, as its name clearly reveals, by 3 types of milk: condensed milk, evaporated milk and finally milk cream. The decoration of the cake is something that is up to personal discretion and taste, and there are many variants in this regard. In this case, the important thing is that the 3 types of milk are kept as main ingredients.
If you want to prepare this cake delight, we leave you here a simple recipe. You will only need:
- 6 eggs
- 200 grams of sugar
- 250 grams of flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
Apart for the cream you will need:
- 1 can of condensed milk.
- 1 can of evaporated milk.
- 1 can of heavy cream.
- 3 egg whites
- Sugar
To start this recipe, you must start with the preparation of the cake sponge. The first thing you should do is preheat the oven to approximately 200 degrees. Then in a container you must beat the eggs until they foam, then add the sugar without stopping the beating process, when the mixture is more voluminous you must then add the flour together with the teaspoon of baking powder, this must be done slowly to that the mixture is well integrated, also here you must add the teaspoon of vanilla and continue beating
When you feel that the mixture is well integrated, you must butter the mold where you are going to pour the mixture, you must also sprinkle flour on it previously. Then put this in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the famous tres leches cream. First you must pour the contents of the three cans into a large bowl and mix them. The most advisable thing at this point is that you use a mixer. When the mixture is ready we must pour it over the baked sponge cake.
Now you will only need the meringue. This is very simple, you just have to beat the whites and add the sugar slowly. The amount of sugar is to your liking so you should try the mixture until you achieve the flavor you want.
The cake must be left to rest with the tres leches mixture until it is well impregnated, once this step is ready you can add the meringue and proceed to decorate as you like. Many people tend to add cinnamon on top of the cake to give it more flavor. But it will depend on you and your preferences. As you may have noticed, it is very easy and simple to prepare this delicious and nutritious cake.
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Nutritional information for milk
Milk is definitely an essential food when it comes to having a healthy diet, since this vital liquid is very rich at the nutritional level, it contains all the proteins, vitamins, minerals required for the proper functioning of our body. It provides us with a lot of energy due to its high protein levels. In addition, milk is the main source of calcium that exists. Among the vitamins it has, we find group B, vitamin D and vitamin A.
Among the minerals it has we find potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
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Glycemic index
The glycemic index of milk is 30.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.