Milk is good for everyone, right?

Milk is good for everyone, right? Opinions are divided. But what about really? We have listed everything for you.
Opinions are divided about milk. Some people love drinking milk but, while others hate it because of allergy or intolerance. Is milk healthy or not? We put everything together.

Milk composition
Milk contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and vitamins B2 and B12.

Milk and bone health
Due to the calcium contained in milk, daily consumption is strongly recommended to keep the bones strong. But when it comes to bone decalcification, you won’t get there with just a glass of milk. For strong bones, other minerals such as boron, silicon, and magnesium are also needed. Vitamin D and K also play a role in bone building. You can also get calcium from other sources, so it is not a must to drink milk.

Milk and your digestion
To break down the lactose in milk you need the enzyme lactase. The production of this enzyme stops in some population groups such as Asians, Southern Europeans, and Africans around the third year of life. It is therefore difficult for them to tolerate dairy. Northern Europe is better adapted to the use of dairy products and the production of lactase continues after the third year of life. At least in most people, some lack the enzyme lactase or don’t make enough of it. This means that the lactose in them continuously goes to the bacteria of the colon. They still break down the lactose and during that process many gases are released, which cause unpleasant complaints such as: flatulence, foamy stools, bloating and intestinal cramps. Not only lactose can cause a problem with digestion, you can also have an allergy to the milk protein casein. Complaints that come with this are very diverse from acne and eczema to respiratory diseases and ear infections. Milk from Jersey and Guernsey cows has a slightly different type of casein that is more digestible. You see this type of milk more and more in the supermarket.

Fermented milk products
Fermented milk products such as yogurt, quark, buttermilk, and kefir contain bacteria that have already partly converted the lactose into lactic acid and make the milk protein more digestible. With lactose intolerance, you can often use fermented milk products in moderation.

What does milk do for you
Do you suspect that you might not respond well to dairy products? Then put it to the test and let all milk products stand for 30 days. During that time, keep a close eye on how your body responds, paying particular attention to your energy level, your gut, and the condition of your skin. You may notice a lot of difference and maybe nothing at all. After those 30 days, gradually introduce (sour) milk products and see how your body reacts. If your skin becomes restless or your intestines suffer, milk may not be such a good idea for you. If you are not bothered by anything, you can use (fermented) dairy products perfectly

Alternatives to milk
Today, the shelves are full of plant-based alternatives to dairy from almond milk, rice milk, and oat milk to hazelnut yogurt. You can indulge yourself in that regard. If you have an intolerance to the lactose or protein in cow’s milk, you could also try products from the goat or sheep. They contain less lactose and an easier to digest type of Casein. Also, think about your calcium, it is in beans, green leafy vegetables, linseed, sardines, broccoli, and nuts.