Consuming foods rich in probiotics and various nutrients is crucial for improved gut health and immunity. Milk stands out as one of the best options in this regard. Let’s explore its benefits.
Approximately 70-80% of the body’s immune cells reside in the gut, making gut health essential for strengthening immunity. Milk contains probiotics, which introduce beneficial bacteria to the intestines. These bacteria aid digestion, inhibit harmful bacteria, and help maintain gut balance. Probiotics are key in promoting gut health and supporting the immune system.
Milk is also rich in protein and vitamin D. Protein is essential for building and maintaining the body’s cellular structure and contributes to muscle growth and recovery. Vitamin D supports calcium absorption, maintaining bone health while also boosting immunity. Although sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, milk becomes especially important during seasons with limited sun exposure, such as fall.
When selecting milk, it’s recommended to check if it is domestically produced under strict quality control and labeled as Grade 1A. Domestically produced milk is promptly cooled after milking, pasteurized, and distributed to ensure freshness. Grade 1A milk contains fewer than 30,000 bacteria and 200,000 somatic cells per milliliter, meeting standards comparable to those in Denmark and surpassing those of dairy-advanced countries like Germany and the Netherlands.
Freshness is closely tied to quality. Domestic milk typically reaches consumers within 2 to 3 days, with an expiration date set between 11 to 14 days. Proper refrigeration is crucial. However, lactose intolerant individuals should consume milk cautiously, as it may cause symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, nausea, or abdominal pain. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks sufficient lactase enzyme to digest lactose-rich foods like milk.
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