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Essential for all phases of life - Milk is good for our health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three daily servings of milk or dairy products.

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Complete food - Milk is considered a complete food. It's full of essential nutrients, including protein and minerals, like phosphorous, zinc, and calcium. It's also responsible for bone health.

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Daily recommendations - Three cups of milk is equivalent to the daily recommendation for calcium intake in adults, according to specialists.

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Good for teeth - Milk contains calcium, the main mineral involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth.

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Good for sleeping - Milk might also help you fall asleep. In fact, calcium stimulates relaxation, and the amino acid, tryptophan, increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, which is an important neurotransmitter for sleep.

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Can pregnant women drink milk? - This food is an essential source of calcium and protein that benefits a developing fetus.

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Recommended for physical activity - Not many people are aware, but milk is a hydrating drink. Consuming it after exercising is also beneficial for muscle regeneration and hydration.

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Cholesterol - A recent study claims that drinking milk can help to manage obesity and diabetes, and control cholesterol levels in the blood.

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Prevent obesity -

A study by the University of California showed that people who drink milk are less likely to become obese when also following a healthy diet.

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High blood pressure - Studies show that low-fat milk and other low-fat dairy products can help reduce blood pressure. Calcium, potassium, and magnesium work together against high blood pressure.

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Osteoporosis - Calcium helps strengthen bones throughout all phases of life. Milk prevents bone weakening that occurs as we get older.

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Chocolate milk is bad? - This drink makes it difficult for your body to absorb certain nutrients, though some products are fortified. Some studies have shown that consuming products rich in oxalate, a component of chocolate, can inhibit the absorption of calcium. The tip is to read the label!

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Cancer prevention -

If you want yet another reason to drink milk, studies show that the nutrients in milk, such as calcium, vitamin D, and milk proteins, can help reduce the risk of cancer, specifically of the colon.

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One of the most-consumed foods in the world - Around 479 million tons of dairy products are consumed around the world every year, according to a report by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).

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Origins - According to historical analyses, human consumption of milk started around 11,000 years ago, following the domestication of mammals.

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Pasteurized or boxed milk? - Heat treatments do not reduce the nutritional value of milk. When ultra-pasteurized, the only vitamin lost is vitamin C. It can suffer a reduction of 10 to 20%.

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Do you need to boil milk? - Pasteurized milk and ultra-high temperature processed milk (UHT) do not need to be boiled. They have already gone through processes to kill harmful bacteria.

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Don't drink milk with mango? - There is no scientific proof for this belief. The myth started in colonial times to scare slaves into not eating fruit. The drink can be consumed with any combination of foods, including in a fruit smoothie or shake.

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Colds and the flu - Milk increases mucous production and is not recommended if you're sick.

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Allergy - Milk is at the top of the list of foods that cause allergies.

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Harm - Consuming milk can aggravate arthritis, arthrosis, bronchitis, and rhinitis symptoms, according to a study by the University of Campinas in Brazil.

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Strengthens immunity - This drink is good for keeping you strong, and for warding off illnesses. It also contains antioxidant properties.

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Worsens gastritis -

Milk can aggravate stomach pains, and worsen gastritis. Initially, milk can lessen gastric acid, but it eventually increases the production.

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Lactose intolerance - People with lactose intolerance have difficulty digesting the sugar found in milk. Their bodies do not produce enough of the enzyme, lactase, that is responsible for breaking down and digesting the sugar.

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Lactose intolerance - For those suffering from lactose intolerance, there are products with reduced or 0% lactose that allow people to continue consuming dairy products.

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Milk substitutes - Milk can be eliminated from the diet, as there are many other ways to get enough calcium. Large quantities of vegetables are also a great source of calcium.

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Milk substitutes - If you aren't a fan of milk, try substitutes like almond or soy "milk."

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Cats love milk - Many believe that cats love milk. However, they really should not drink it. After weaning, most of them develop a lactose intolerance, according to specialists.

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Cats love milk -

When cats drink milk, it activates a fermentation process that can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The only exception is when they are young and drink their mother's milk.

Sources: (WHO) (FAO)

See also: Coffees from around the world you will want to try

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