Milk is an excellent source of protein and is a common presence on people's dining tables. What are the benefits of drinking milk? How can we drink it more nutritiously? Some people feel uncomfortable after drinking milk or consuming dairy products. Does this mean they are not suitable for drinking milk? Recently, there have been some discussions and controversies online about drinking milk, and reporters have conducted interviews on this topic.

Ma Tenghui, Deputy Director of the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Microecology at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, introduced that milk is rich in nutrients, easy to digest and absorb, helps improve resistance, and promotes children's growth and development as well as effectively prevents osteoporosis. Scientific milk consumption can bring many benefits to the body and enhance people's health levels.

Some people online claim that "Chinese people are not suitable for drinking milk." Ma Tenghui analyzed that this is a misconception. Most Asians lack lactase in their bodies, which means that the lactose they consume cannot be fully decomposed and absorbed. Therefore, they may experience lactose intolerance symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea after consuming milk or dairy products. However, a large number of facts have shown that consuming milk or dairy products in small amounts multiple times, or enjoying them with other foods, especially those containing fat, can delay gastric emptying time, extend the action time of lactase in the intestines, and improve lactose tolerance.

People can choose milk that suits their needs and actual situations. Individuals with lactose intolerance can opt for low-lactose or lactose-free milk, or switch to yogurt. Overweight and obese patients, as well as those with abnormal blood lipids, can choose skimmed or low-fat milk. Children and adolescents can drink whole milk or children's milk to obtain sufficient nutrition to support growth and development. Middle-aged and elderly people, whose gastrointestinal functions decline and calcium loss begins, can choose low-fat, high-calcium milk. People with normal weight and no underlying diseases can choose whole milk.

The food exhibition noted that excessive intake of milk can place unnecessary burdens on organs such as the kidneys. No matter which type of milk is chosen, the principle of moderation should be followed. According to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022, it is recommended that each person consume 300–500 grams of liquid milk or an equivalent amount of dairy products per day, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and powdered milk.

Yan Ting, a resident physician in the Department of Clinical Nutrition and Microecology at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, introduced that milk can be consumed with a variety of foods, such as bread, steamed buns, fruits, and nuts. It should not be consumed with foods high in oxalic acid, such as spinach and Chinese chives, as oxalic acid can combine with calcium in milk and affect calcium absorption. In addition, milk should not be consumed with beverages containing tannic acid, such as tea and coffee, as tannic acid can also affect calcium absorption. Patients who are taking medication should be aware that most antibiotics should not be taken with milk, as this may affect the efficacy of the drugs.

Overall, milk can be consumed at any time, but it is not recommended to drink it on an empty stomach. When the stomach is empty, milk passes through the gastrointestinal tract quickly, and lactose cannot be well decomposed in the small intestine and enters the large intestine rapidly, which may exacerbate symptoms of lactose intolerance. People who are allergic to milk protein and patients who have just undergone abdominal surgery are not suitable for drinking milk. If these individuals wish to obtain nutrition through milk consumption, they should consult a doctor and follow medical advice.

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Source: People's Daily

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