In an age where nutrition is increasingly seen as an appendage to daily living, we tend to lose out on various vitamins and minerals. For instance, most of us believe that milk only provides calcium and is only meant for children. But did you know that, no matter the age, we can always benefit from skimmed or low-fat milk varieties. And when picking which milk to drink, there is lots of choice today. Today we're looking at the different types of milk available in grocery stores and their health benefits.
Coconut milk:
Coconut milk is a common ingredient in South Indian cooking that makes the curry rich and delicious.
What are the health benefits of coconut milk?
Coconuts provide vitamins, minerals and fibers that prevent diseases like gallbladder stones and liver diseases, inflammation and skin diseases, to name a few. If you want proteins, coconut milk is a good source. It also provides iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Surprisingly coconut milk is far richer in calcium than regular milk.
Rest assured that coconut milk also supports the immune system, helps in weight loss and is great for digestion.
Almond milk:
Almonds are a great snack if you are fasting or if you simply want a potent healthy snack to keep you full for longer. Some dishes also use almonds as garnish and it is an excellent medium in desserts.
What are the health benefits of almond milk?
Almond milk, just like coconut milk, is a great alternative for vegans. Almond milk is a good source for proteins; it is also low in calories unlike cow's milk. This milk contains vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, manganese, copper and ribloflavin. Boost your energy and lower heart diseases with almond milk.
Cow's milk:
This is the most commonly used milk in India. Cow's milk is also used to make enticing Indian sweets or mithias.
What are the health benefits of cow's milk?
If you have calcium deficiency, you will be told to drink cow's milk. This milk contains fats, minerals and vitamins like vitamin D, proteins, vitamin B, potassium, iodine and it is a good substitute to Omega 3. Cow's milk is not fattening but it should be complimented with a healthy diet.
Besides strengthening the bones with calcium, cow's milk is known to control blood pressure as it contains potassium, iodine promote thyroid function and prevents gout.
Goat's milk:
Most Indians may not use goat's milk, but high up in the hilly regions of northern Indian, goat's milk is widely used. But the buck does not stop there, globalisation and India's love for Italian food has seen an increase in the import of goat cheese.
What are the health benefits of goat's milk?
Indian women are prone to iron deficiency and the answer could lie in goat's milk. According to researchers, goat's milk helps prevent softening of bone and anemia. It also aids digestion and 'metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.'
The secret lies in the high presence of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Apparently goat's milk has less fat, builds your immune system, and reduces anti - inflammation of the bowel.
We maybe accustomed to cow's milk, but did you know goat's milk is better than cow's milk?
Raw milk:
Consuming raw milk is a trend that promotes the importance of organic food. But is it a wise choice?
What are the health benefits of raw milk?
The debate still continues on the health benefits of raw milk over pasteurised milk. Raw milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, but scientists do not believe the claims of health benefits of raw milk. There are healthy bacteria in raw milk; some say that pasteurised milk kills these microbes, but scientists believe it's all for a good cause.
You need to know:
- Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.
- Pasteurization DOES kill harmful bacteria.
- Pasteurization DOES save lives.
Soy milk:
This is a common substitute for those who are lactose intolerant or vegetarian. Soy milk also comes under probiotic food choice.
What are the health benefits of soy milk?
Soy milk contains fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the smooth functioning of our body. You can count on soy milk to improve good cholesterol and help in weight loss; the omega 3 and 6 in soy milk strengthens the blood vessels, claims to prevent prostrate cancer, osteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome.
Soy milk is easily available in large departmental stores.
Cardamom or eliachi milk:
May not be a common ingredient in milk, but flavoured milk is always refreshing on a hot day. Cardamom milk is healthier than having flavoured milk like chocolate and strawberry.
What are the health benefits of cardamom milk?
Cardamom contains potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C and magnesium. It is also used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. These are the traditional uses of cardamom.
How to prepare?
It is very easy. Just like turmeric milk, immerse two or three pods in your milk and heat.
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