Cow's milk: benefits and harms, calorie content and chemical composition, properties
Cows have long been bred around the world for milk. This delicious nutritious product is able to provide a person with the necessary set of vitamins and microelements that are easily absorbed by the body. However, many people develop lactose intolerance, stomach pain, nausea, and other discomfort. Disputes about the benefits and harms of cow's milk do not subside among scientists, doctors, supporters of a he althy diet.
Calorie content and chemical composition
The calorie content of cow's milk depends on its fat content. A drink with a fat content of 3.5% contains 63-66 kilocalories.It contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, a complex of vitamins of group B, vitamins A and C. Milk fat is easily digested; when milk is stored, it rises to the surface, forming a creamy layer. Milk sugar gives the drink its characteristic flavor.
The trace elements present in milk (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron) are easily absorbed by the human body. The composition of cow's milk contains: ascorbic and nicotinic acids, riboflavin, thiamine. The properties of milk to prevent the absorption of other products made it indispensable for poisoning.
The balance of taste and he alth benefits, the ability to make a mass of familiar products from milk (cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir) have made it an important part of the human diet for several millennia.
Benefits of cow's milk for the human body
It allows you to get a set of substances necessary for the growth, development and maintenance of all systems of the human body.Ryazhenka and kefir have a beneficial effect on digestion, whole milk, cottage cheese - saturate the body with calcium, which affects the condition of bones, hair, teeth. The presence of potassium and magnesium strengthens the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
For women
Cow's milk has long been considered essential for women. A daily glass of drink provides the body's need for vitamins and minerals, in addition:
- Improves the condition of skin, nails, hair.
- Protects bones from osteoporosis, especially during menopause.
- Relaxes and soothes with B vitamins and magnesium.
- Improves complexion. Prevents the development of anemia.
It is useful for pregnant and lactating women. Systematic consumption reduces the risk of dental problems, relieves heartburn, and helps with constipation.Milk and dairy products are used in cosmetology. A kefir mask reduces oiliness and whitens the skin, a spoonful of sour cream applied to the face will make dry skin soft and supple.
For men
Natural cow's milk is rich in protein, the carbohydrates that make up the product allow it to be quickly absorbed and promote muscle building, making muscles voluminous and relief. The drink adds strength, replenishes the expended energy. A few more advantages of consuming the product for the strong half of humanity:
- High potassium content strengthens the cardiovascular system.
- Natural product has a beneficial effect on potency, improves the condition of sperm.
- Systematic consumption heals the nervous system.
- People working in hazardous industries (miners, welders, casters) are given it to reduce the impact of negative factors.
Of course, you should choose whole fresh milk and products from it.
For kids
Milk and its products are necessary for the child's body. Systematic consumption relieves babies from rickets and anemia, ensures the growth and development of the crumbs. In the absence of breastfeeding, it becomes an almost complete substitute. Of course, the high fat content of homemade milk can cause indigestion in a small child, in which case it is diluted or introduced into the diet gradually, in small portions.
Important: children should not be given fresh milk, with it pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, helminth larvae) can enter the child's body.
The product should be purchased in a store or from trusted people who carefully monitor their own cows. Milk purchased from individuals or farmers must be boiled before drinking.
For the elderly
Disputes about the necessity and dangers of cow's milk for the elderly do not subside among doctors. Seniors need quality foods with vitamins and minerals that are easy to digest. Real milk strengthens bones, normalizes digestion, vitamin B increases the nerve conduction of muscle fibers.
It is easy to digest, improves the state of the cardiovascular system, helps to fall asleep. Dairy products are recommended to improve digestion. Milk consumption is recommended for older people with increased physical, mental and emotional stress.
Harm and contraindications of the product
Milk and milk products are contraindicated for people who are allergic to lactose. Unpleasant sensations arise from excessive consumption, the use of an expired or improperly stored drink. Many people are unable to drink fresh or high-fat milk. It is not recommended to use a steam product that has not undergone any heat treatment (especially for children, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly).
A high-fat drink can cause atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, weight gain and even diabetes. You can not drink fat milk for people suffering from diseases of the pancreas, stomach, intestines.
Children under one year old and the elderly over 70 should replace cow's milk with goat's. These categories of consumers should absolutely not eat fatty sour cream and cream.The drink is introduced into the diet of babies gradually, in small doses, you should use the option intended for baby food. It can be diluted with water, used for cooking cereals, stewing vegetables.
When buying a product in a store, you should choose pasteurized milk, it preserves vitamins and minerals. The ultra-pasteurized version lasts longer but contains no nutrients.
Rules for selection and storage
When choosing a product in the distribution network, you should pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions of the drink. You should choose a well-known manufacturer. Before putting milk in the basket, you need to inspect the packaging. It should not be damaged or swollen, with streaks on the label. Better not to buy dairy products on store promotions. If a well-known manufacturer offers a discount on a drink, you can take milk without fear.
In the market, milk and dairy products should be bought from neat, documented sellers.Milk should be stored on the top shelves of the refrigerator. After opening the package, it should be consumed within 3 days. Do not place products with a strong odor near milk. The farm product should be boiled, cooled and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Take sour cream or fermented baked milk from a large container with a clean, dry spoon.
For long-term storage, milk can be placed in the freezer, in which case it should be defrosted in the air. Milk and dairy products make it possible to diversify the diet, are a source of valuable substances, and finally, they are tasty and he althy for humans. When consuming, you need to know the measure, remember about your own problems (diseases, allergies), choose a quality assortment. Then they will do nothing but good.
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