5 things you didn’t know about milk
<p>Most people drink milk every day, be it with our cereal, in our tea or simply on its own, straight from the fridge. While it’s common knowledge that milk is packed with protein, you might be surprised to learn these five facts about milk.</p>
<p><strong>1. Milk that contains permeate isn’t bad for you</strong></p>
<p>A string of milk company advertisements claiming their products are permeate free has caused a lot of consumer confusion. Amber Beaumont, Accredited Practising Dietitian at Dairy Australia, says permeate isn’t something to avoid.</p>
<p>“Permeate refers to the lactose, vitamins and minerals naturally found in milk,” she explains. “It’s sometimes removed and added back to milk for standardising to ensure you get the same great tasting product every time. So whether you choose permeate free milk or not, you’re getting nothing but milk every time.”</p>
<p><strong>2. Milk might help you live longer</strong></p>
<p>A study published in the British Medical Journal examined the milk consumption of men aged 45 to 59. Surprisingly, men who drank the most milk had a lower risk of ischaemic heart disease or stroke than those who only drank minimal, or no milk. The case of stroke among milk drinkers was significantly lower.</p>
<p>“The present perception of milk as harmful, in increasing cardiovascular risk, should be challenged,” the study authors said in a statement. While more research needs to be conducted, this study suggest that milk may even be protective when it comes to heart health. </p>
<p><strong>3. Milk is more effective post-exercise than a sports drink</strong></p>
<p>A study published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism has found that people who drank milk after training were able to exercise longer in their next session than those who opted for a sports drink or water.</p>
<p>“Milk has the added benefit of protein to help muscles recover, as well as other essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals,” adds dietitian Amber Beaumont.</p>
<p><strong>4. You can still eat dairy foods if you’re lactose intolerant</strong></p>
<p>People who are lactose intolerant needn’t completely eliminate dairy from their diet, says Beaumont. Rather, she says to watch portions and stagger consumption.</p>
<p>“Up to 250ml of milk may be well tolerated if broken up throughout the day and consumed with other foods,” she explains. “Cheese contains little lactose and the lactose in yoghurt is partially broken down by bacteria that thicken the yoghurt, so should be well tolerated.”</p>
<p><strong>5. Seed milk isn’t necessarily a healthier option</strong></p>
<p>The trend towards making your own milk from seeds might seem innocent enough, but Beaumont is wary of homemade chia or almond milk. “Dairy milk naturally contains a unique package of essential nutrients which are hard to replicate,” she explains. When buying a non-dairy milk, check the label to make sure it’s calcium fortified.</p>
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