Important warnings from dietitians about milk consumption

Stating that the composition of milk varies depending on the type of animal, its nutrition and the place where it grows, Dietician Edanur Usta said, “Individuals with cardiovascular disease, high blood fat levels and severe obesity should consume semi-fat cow milk, which has a lower fat content, instead of milk such as buffalo or sheep.” “They should prefer sources such as milk and goat milk,” he said.

İSÜ Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir Nutrition and Diet Specialist Dietician Edanur Usta gave information about the importance of milk for our health on June 1, World Milk Day.

Saying that milk is an important nutrient source for a balanced diet, Dyt. Usta said, “The first source of nutrition for mammals is breast milk and it is very important for bone mass formation. It provides all the energy and nutrients necessary to ensure growth and development. People have been benefiting from the milk of different types of mammals since ancient times, including cow’s milk, in adulthood. “Dairy products are an accessible, affordable and nutrient-rich food and are an important part of a balanced diet worldwide,” he said.

RICH IN ZINC AND SELENIUM

Dyt stated that milk is generally an important source of protein in nutrition. Usta said, “Milk is considered a natural source of calcium, but it is also rich in some other minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and selenium. It also contains vitamins such as A, D and E, thiamine and riboflavin.”

USEFUL FOR DENTAL AND BONE HEALTH IN CHILDREN

Mentioning the benefits of milk, Dyt. Usta said, “Dairy products are a food group that supports dental and bone health in children, as they are especially rich in calcium, and in protecting against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, some types of cancer and appetite management in adults.”

3 PORTIONS OF DAIRY PRODUCTS SHOULD BE PREFERRED DAILY

Dyt explains what amount of milk consumption should be. Usta said, “According to the 2017 Turkey Nutrition Guide, all individuals aged 7 and over are recommended to consume three portions of milk and products (yoghurt, cheese, ayran, milk) daily. According to the data of the Turkey Nutrition and Health Survey conducted in 2017, individuals aged 15 and over should consume this amount.” “It was concluded that it did not meet the recommendations,” he said.

BE CAREFUL WITH HERBAL MILK!

Dyt pointed out that the use of herbal milks, which have become popular in recent years, has increased. The master shared the following information:

“Since the general composition of milk-like drinks named after the food they are obtained from, such as coconut milk, almond milk, and oat milk, is different from milk of animal origin, these products are not considered to be in the milk and dairy products group. Moreover, if you pay attention to the content of plant milks sold in the market, a small portion of them comes from the main food. (2-3 percent), we see that the other part consists of sugar, stabilizers, emulsifiers and flavorings, and is enriched with calcium, B2, B12, E and D vitamins, making it similar to milk composition. “It is important to remember that it can be used as an alternative for vegan individuals, but it does not contribute to meeting the consumption recommendation for milk and dairy products.”

COW’S MILK PROTEIN ALLERGY MAY BE OBSERVED IN CHILDREN

Stating that there may be two main negative reactions caused by milk intake, Dyt. Usta said, “These are lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy. Consuming yoghurt with lower lactose content instead of milk for individuals with lactose intolerance can prevent symptoms such as gas and bloating that may be seen due to lactose intolerance. Cow’s milk protein allergy is known as the first food allergy seen in children and in later periods “It is known that it usually passes,” he said.

SATURATED FAT IN MILK MAY AFFECT HEART HEALTH

Stating that there are some concerns about milk consumption, Dyt. Usta said, “One of these is its possible negative effects on heart health. 70 percent of the total fat contained in milk consists of saturated fats. Since it is known that excessive consumption of saturated fat can cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, known as bad cholesterol, excessive consumption of fatty milk, in particular, indirectly It may negatively contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Some of the other concerns about milk are that it causes bone fractures, triggers the development of cancer, and causes skin thickening. I would especially like to point out that there is not enough scientific data to clearly prove these concerns. “It is important to remember that it does not have the power to prevent and will not cause a negative situation or a disease on its own,” he said.

Dyt made explanations about which type of milk we should consume. Usta said, “The composition of milk varies depending on the type of animal, its nutrition, and the place where it grows. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, high blood fat levels, or severe obesity should consume semi-fat cow’s milk, which has a lower fat content, instead of milk such as buffalo or sheep milk. They should prefer sources such as goat milk. However, I would like to emphasize this point: It is important to prioritize the consumption of fermented products, especially in adulthood, to support the intestinal flora and increase good bacteria. For this reason, consumption of products such as yoghurt and kefir has positive health benefits. ” he said.

MILK MAY CAUSE ALLERGIES

Dyt. also gives information about milk allergy. Usta explained, “Individuals with milk allergy, chronic stomach and intestinal disease, thyroid disease and acne-prone skin should be careful about their milk consumption. However, it should not be forgotten that everyone is unique and nutritional recommendations are completely personal.”

DISEASE-CAUSING BACTERIA MAY OCCUR IN RAW MILK

Dyt noted that milk is a very suitable environment for the development of microorganisms. The master concluded his words as follows:

“Raw milk can contain a variety of pathogens that cause many diseases, as numerous scientific studies have shown. These studies also reveal a large number of foodborne epidemics. Raw milk comes from cows, sheep and goats that have not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria, or any other It is milk obtained from an animal. Raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter and other bacteria that cause foodborne diseases, often called ‘food poisoning’. Therefore, if milk is consumed, it is especially important to ensure that it has been pasteurized. .”