5 Ways That Drinking Milk Can Improve Your Health

1Milk has been enjoyed throughout the world for thousands of years (1Trusted Source). By definition, it’s a nutrient-rich fluid that female mammals produce to feed their young. The most commonly consumed types come from cows, sheep and goats. Western countries drink cow’s milk most frequently. Milk consumption is a hotly debated topic in the nutrition world, so you might wonder if it’s healthy or harmful. Below are 5 science-backed health benefits of milk so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

1. Milk Is Packed With Nutrients
The nutritional profile of milk is impressive.

After all, it’s designed to fully nourish newborn animals.

Just one cup (244 grams) of whole cow’s milk contains (2):

• Calories: 146
• Protein: 8 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Calcium: 28% of the RDA
• Vitamin D: 24% of the RDA
• Riboflavin (B2): 26% of the RDA
• Vitamin B12: 18% of the RDA
• Potassium: 10% of the RDA
• Phosphorus: 22% of the RDA
• Selenium: 13% of the RDA

Milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including “nutrients of concern,” which are under-consumed by many populations (3Trusted Source). It provides potassium, B12, calcium and vitamin D, which are lacking in many diets (4Trusted Source). Milk is also a good source of vitamin A, magnesium, zinc and thiamine (B1). Additionally, it’s an excellent source of protein and contains hundreds of different fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3s (5Trusted Source). Conjugated linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids are linked to many health benefits, including a reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).

The nutritional content of milk varies, depending on factors like its fat content and the diet and treatment of the cow it came from (10Trusted Source). For example, milk from cows that eat mostly grass contains significantly higher amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids (11Trusted Source). Also, organic and grass-fed cow’s milk contains higher amounts of beneficial antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, which help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress (12Trusted Source).

2. It’s A Good Source of Quality Protein

Milk is a rich source of protein, with just one cup containing 8 grams. Protein is necessary for many vital functions in your body, including growth and development, cellular repair and immune system regulation (13Trusted Source). Milk is considered a “complete protein,” meaning it contains all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for your body to function at an optimal level (14Trusted Source). There are two main types of protein found in milk — casein and whey protein. Both are considered high-quality proteins. Casein makes up the majority of the protein found in cow’s milk, comprising 70–80% of the total protein content. Whey accounts for around 20% (15Trusted Source).

Whey protein contains the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine, all of which are linked to health benefits. Branched-chain amino acids may be particularly helpful in building muscle, preventing muscle loss and providing fuel during exercise (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source). Drinking milk is associated with a lower risk of age-related muscle loss in several studies. In fact, higher consumption of milk and milk products has been linked to greater whole-body muscle mass and better physical performance in older adults (18Trusted Source).

Milk has also been shown to boost muscle repair in athletes. In fact, several studies have demonstrated that drinking milk after a workout can decrease muscle damage, promote muscle repair, increase strength and even decrease muscle soreness (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source). Plus, it’s a natural alternative to highly processed protein drinks marketed toward post-workout recovery.

3. Milk Benefits Bone Health

Drinking milk has long been associated with healthy bones. This is due to its powerful combination of nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, protein and (in grass-fed, full-fat dairy) vitamin K2. All of these nutrients are essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones. Approximately 99% of your body’s calcium is stored in your bones and teeth (22Trusted Source). Milk is an excellent source of the nutrients your body relies on to properly absorb calcium, including vitamin D, vitamin K, phosphorus and magnesium.

Adding milk and dairy products to your diet may prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis. Studies have linked milk and dairy to a lower risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in older adults (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source). What’s more, milk is a good source of protein, a key nutrient for bone health. In fact, protein makes up about 50% of bone volume and around one-third of bone mass (26Trusted Source). Evidence suggests that eating more protein may protect against bone loss, especially in women who do not consume enough dietary calcium (27Trusted Source).

4. Helps Prevent Weight Gain

Several studies have linked milk intake to a lower risk of obesity. Interestingly, this benefit has only been associated with whole milk. A study in 145 three-year-old Latino children found that higher milk-fat consumption was associated with a lower risk of childhood obesity (28Trusted Source). Another study including over 18,000 middle-aged and elderly women showed that eating more high-fat dairy products was associated with less weight gain and a lower risk of obesity (29Trusted Source). Milk contains a variety of components that may contribute to weight loss and prevent weight gain. For example, its high-protein content helps you feel full for a longer period of time, which may prevent overeating (30Trusted Source, 31).

Furthermore, the conjugated linoleic acid in milk has been studied for its ability to boost weight loss by promoting fat breakdown and inhibiting fat production (32Trusted Source). Additionally, many studies have associated diets rich in calcium with a lower risk of obesity. Evidence suggests that people with a higher intake of dietary calcium have a lower risk of being overweight or obese. Studies have shown that high levels of dietary calcium promote fat breakdown and inhibit fat absorption in the body (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source).

5. Milk Is a Versatile Ingredient

Milk is a nutritious beverage that provides a number of health benefits. Moreover, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be easily added to your diet.
Aside from drinking milk, try these ideas for incorporating it into your daily routine:

Smoothies: It makes an excellent, high-protein base for healthy smoothies. Try combining it with greens and a small amount of fruit for a nutritious snack.
Oatmeal: It provides a tasty, more nutritious alternative to water when making your morning oatmeal or hot cereal.
Coffee: Adding it to your morning coffee or tea will give your beverage a boost of beneficial nutrients.
Soups: Try adding it to your favorite soup recipe for added flavor and nutrition.

If you’re not a fan of milk, there are other dairy products that have similar nutrient profiles. For example, unsweetened yogurt made from milk contains the same amount of protein, calcium and phosphorus. Yogurt is a healthy and versatile alternative to processed dips and toppings.