Free Essay About Got Milk Or Not?

Abstract

Scientific researches show that milk was not always the American staple that it became in the 20th century. Nevertheless, milk has been preached as a diet staple that should not be missed in any diet, least, an individual deprives himself from the necessary vitamins and minerals that milk has to offer. Social media public figures would often quip ‘Got Milk,’ to let their fans know that there is so much that milk has to offer health-wise. The Milk Processor Education program already changed their slogan from ‘Got Milk’ to ‘Milk Life’ to give importance on milk in people’s lives. Indeed, health benefits abound from drinking milk. But why is it that there is such a huge interest on milk? Why is milk recommended as a staple in the diet? There are indeed a large amount of reasons and this paper will attempt to expound the numerous gains on drinking milk.
This essay discusses the advantages and health benefits that milk has to offer. Furthermore, this essay aims to disprove that milk per se is the culprit behind such diseases as cancers, allergies, and indigestion. Even though milk has various benefits for human body, there were claims made that it has harmful effects to the bodies, ranging from risks of cancer to indigestion. Therefore, the paper will explain why milk is good to drink and how people take it appropriately.
Thesis Statement: milk can be claimed as having various nutritional benefits for human health. Furthermore, milk is not related to various diseases, such as cancer and allergies.
Medical researches point out chemical nutrients in milk and their leading helpful roles for human health. Milk contains up to 16 nutrients that are essential for health. Among the chemical nutrients found it milk include calcium, vitamin D, protein and fatty acids which have been found to help keep the body functioning properly and protect it from the risk of certain diseases. This section will succinctly discuss the chemical nutrients and health benefits that milk has to offer. Milk intake ensures that the body gets its adequate supply of milk that helps prevent osteoporosis. Over 1.5 million fractures every year are caused by osteoporosis. The body needs calcium for many purposes, particularly for building and keeping the bones and teeth strong, for blood clotting, nerve impulse diffusion and heart rhythm regulation. Vitamin D is vital for the human body’s overall health. Vitamin D has been proven effective in preventing certain types of diseases, particularly cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. The right amount of protein intake has been found to contribute to bone health. Likewise, protein, including those present in milk, is potent in fighting chronic diseases. Recent studies suggest that saturated fat in milk and other dairy products are not actually linked to cardiovascular disease. Likewise, it was found that significant differences between trans fats found in ruminant fats (like CLA) compared to those found in vegetable fats and oils.
Scientific studies have been conducted to determine the benefits of milk (particularly human milk) for growth of human body. No matter what animal it comes from, milk contains the basic nutritional elements of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which aid in human growth. Immune factors such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lysozyme are important to infants and children, not only for their growth, but also for their immune system--and human milk is the optimal source of these elements. Equally important are the anti-infective nutrients found in milk. Nutrients found in human milk frequently have roles other than nutrition. These other antiinfective and growth factors include complex carbohydrates with antiviral properties that prevent bacterial and parasitic adhesion (Arnold). Furthermore, the composition of human milk changes to meet the changing needs of a growing infant, as they need an easily digestive source of nutrition because the gastrointestinal tract must learn how to function in an extrauterine environment. As the GI tract matures, it can eventually handle nutrients that are more difficult to digest--thanks to the help of milk. Milk also contains protein (approximately 3.3 percent) and all types of amino acids. Proteins are needed for human growth because they serve as the blocks of muscles, skin, hair, and cellular components. They are also needed to enable the muscles to contract and relax, and help damaged tissues heal. Likewise, milk is rich in vitamins, which play important roles in human growth, particularly in metabolism co-factors, oxygen transport and antioxidants. Vitamins aid the body in consuming carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Aside from vitamins, milk is also rich in minerals, which is a huge help in enzyme functions, bone formation, water balance maintenance, and oxygen transport.
Throughout historical researches, milk has been hailed for the many health benefits that it has to offer, making it arguably the most consumed beverage throughout world. The rich amount of calcium and vitamin D, found in milk has been proven effective in fighting osteoporosis, partnered, of course, with regular exercise, healthy diet, and good lifestyle. It is a fact milk, which contains potassium, can aid in blood pressure control and heart health. It was scientifically found that the risk of suffering from colon cancer is highest among geographic locations where there is least amount of sunlight, so to combat this, drinking of milk. Medical researches suggest that one reason for this is that vitamin D fosters cell growth regulation and cancer protection. Likewise, adequate vitamin D levels also aids in the production of serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate mood, appetite and sleep.

Medically conducted that milk does not cause several diseases, but it affects human health positively.

There are many assumptions that milk consumption is the culprit behind the occurrence of cancer, indigestion and allergies. However, scientific studies and research have been conducted to misconstrue these claims:
Cancer. Contrary to the belief that milk consumption causes cancer, scientific evidence shows higher milk and dairy consumption may actually reduce the risk of breast cancer development. Parodi’s study (in Davoodi, 2006) found that the evidence from more than 52 different studies clear dairy product consumption from breast cancer development. Likewise, colon cancer has been found to occur due a diet low in vegetables and fiber and high in red meat and processed meats. A diet high in calcium and increased dairy intake has been associated with a reduced risk. Early studies reported positive associations between prostate cancer risk and total, and saturated fat intake, but these studies where later on found obsolete when it was found that diet low in calcium and phosphorus boosts vitamin D in the body, which decreases the risk of prostate cancer. Also studies by Genkinger and colleagues (2006) and Mommers et al (2006) concluded that milk intake has no association with the risk of ovarian cancer. In fact, Goodman et al (2002) reported that intake of low-fat milk, calcium or lactose is potent in minimizing the risk of ovarian cancer (Davoodi, 2006).
Indigestion. Acid indigestion is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, but while many discourage those suffering from indigestion, milk is actually the best remedy one could take. Indigestion usually occurs an hour or so after a heavy, usually fatty meal, and can be relieved by taking antacids or by drinking milk. Shaw (2013) also suggests taking low-fat milk or dairy products. Note that indigestion is caused by fats, so low-fat or skimmed milk is a potent solution for immediate remedy of acid reflux (Shaw, 2013).
Allergy. While cow's milk can cause milk allergies among infants, drinking soy-based milk and human milk can be an excellent remedy to this (Packard, 1982). Soy formulas are also formulated without lactose and the absence of this ingredient can make a difference. Goat's milk is also an excellent alternative to cow's milk. Thus, the notion that milk in general causes allergy is totally baseless.
However, It is always a good idea to consult specialists before taking a lot of milk The right intake of milk could definitely lead to good health. Aside from enhancing human growth, milk also aids in keeping the health at its excellent condition, while protecting the body from acquiring diseases that it might otherwise endure due to the lack of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that milk provides. In addition, milk allergy eventually wanes or vanishes in time. One should carefully choose an appropriate type of milk for his body. Before individual decides to include milk into his staple diet, he has to make sure to get himself checked first by a doctor to help him determine if it is right for him. One can be assured that he doesn’t suffer from lactose intolerance, which is the body’s inability to break down lactose, which is present in milk and most dairy products (Krucik, 2012).
Different age groups have different health and nutritive needs, so this should be considered when choosing what milk to choose. As human being grows older, the kind of milk that he drinks also changes, from infant formulas to the ones specifically formulated for adults. Whole milk and low-fat milk are two of the most popular options of milk. Whole milk contains 3.25 percent. They usually come from cow before processing. Reduced fat milk contains 2 percent fat, while low fat milk contains only 1 percent. Fat-free or skim milk, meanwhile, does not have fat at all and usually passes through processes to eliminate extra fat. Aside from the difference in taste, whole milk and low-fat or skim milks also differ in their fat content, nutritive value, and calorie count. So, it is absolutely a matter of personal choice and dietary needs when deciding what type of milk to choose.

Conclusion

Milk influences the human health in a positive way and it is not the culprit to various diseases.
Milk can be claimed as having various nutritional benefits for human health. Furthermore, milk is not related to various diseases, such as cancer and allergies. In fact, it has a variety of health benefits that particularly help human growth and keep the body strong and health. The various chemical nutrients that milk contains, particularly the vitamins, calcium, protein, fatty acid, among others, play significant roles for human health.
While some people question the benefits of milk, various studies conducted can show that milk does not cause diseases and are, in fact, beneficial for human body growth and good health. The many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that milk contain, make it an ideal staple in the diet because of the far-reaching benefits it has to offer to the health.

References

Calcium and Milk: What’s Best for Your Bones and Health? (2015). Retrieved from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium-full-story/
Arnold, L.D.W. (2010). Human Milk in the NICU: Policy into Practice. Sudbury, Ma: Jones and Bartlett.
Nutrients in Milk Products. Retrieved from: http://www.dairynutrition.ca/nutrients-in-milk-products
What are the health benefits of milk? Retrieved from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273451.php
Davoodi, H. et al. (2013). Effects of Milk and Milk Products Consumption on Cancer: A Review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 12:3.
Packard, V. (1982).Human Milk and Infant Formula. New York, NY: Academic Press.
Shaw, J.(2013). Do Milk & Yogurt Make Acid Reflux Worse? Retrieved from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/445267-do-milk-yogurt-make-acid-reflux-worse/
Don't Have A Cow! Here's How To Pick The Best Milk For You. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatist/2014/02/11/cows-milk-benefits-comparison/