Milk has a smooth texture, rich flavor, and is packed with nutrients, making it a staple for many people's breakfast. Some people also enjoy a cup of creamy milk after work or exercise to replenish their energy. While there are many benefits to drinking milk, it is important to avoid certain improper methods, such as drinking milk on an empty stomach. For those who skip breakfast and rely solely on a glass of milk in the morning, is it good for their health? What impact does it have on the body?
Benefits of Drinking Milk
Provides Sufficient Nutrition
Milk is rich in nutrients, especially protein and calcium. The proteins in milk include casein, globulin, albumin, and lactoglobulin, among others. In addition, milk contains a variety of essential amino acids, with 8 amino acids that are necessary for the human body. Milk is also abundant in minerals, including phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper, in addition to calcium. The appropriate ratio of calcium and phosphorus in milk facilitates calcium absorption.
Regulates Digestive Function
The carbohydrates in milk are mainly lactose, which helps regulate gastric acid, promotes intestinal peristalsis and secretion of digestive glands. Lactose also promotes the growth of lactobacillus, inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and putrefactive bacteria, and facilitates the normal activity and reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, aiding in the regulation of digestive function.
Improves Sleep Quality
Milk contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan and trace amounts of opioid-like substances, which possess sedative and hypnotic effects. These substances temporarily control brain activity, inducing drowsiness. Additionally, the calcium in milk can alleviate tension, so many people have the habit of drinking a glass of milk before bed to help improve sleep quality.
Is it Good to Drink Milk on an Empty Stomach in the Morning?
Drinking milk on an empty stomach in the morning is not recommended. After a night of rest, the stomach is already empty. When milk is consumed on an empty stomach, gastric juice is diluted, and other foods that are eaten afterwards cannot be digested and absorbed in a timely manner. Moreover, milk is a liquid that quickly flows through the stomach and intestines. Nutrients from the milk cannot be absorbed before being excreted, resulting in a loss of nutritional components. Therefore, it is best to eat some other food before drinking milk in the morning. This not only aids in the absorption of nutrients in milk but also does not negatively affect stomach health.
Disadvantages of Drinking Milk on an Empty Stomach
Wastes Protein
It is best to avoid drinking milk on an empty stomach at any time because milk contains abundant high-quality proteins, which primarily contribute to the formation of new tissues in the body and repair existing tissues. If milk is consumed on an empty stomach, it is quickly expelled from the stomach, and the proteins will be broken down by the body as a source of energy, causing a partial loss of protein's intended functions.
Harms the Digestive System
The proteins in milk can only be digested and broken down into various amino acids by gastric protease and intestinal enzymes in the stomach. Drinking milk on an empty stomach prevents the complete breakdown of proteins into amino acids in the stomach. Consequently, some amino acids are not absorbed in the small intestine and end up in the large intestine. Proteins and amino acids in the large intestine are broken down into harmful substances for the body, while the intestinal flora eagerly consume these harmful substances, leading to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion.
When is the Best Time to Drink Milk?
It is best to drink milk within one to two hours after breakfast. This allows the food in the stomach to ensure the absorption of nutrients in milk. Before drinking milk, it is recommended to eat starchy foods such as rice noodles, bread, or biscuits. This can prolong the time milk remains in the stomach and allow gastric juices to fully function, ensuring better digestion and absorption of proteins.
