Milk is considered a complete meal because it packs not only major nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium but also several micro-nutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, riboflavin, and vitamins which are essential for our body. Unless you are lactose intolerant, one should include milk every day in their diet to reap all the health benefits.
While most people prefer drinking hot milk, some may also like it cold. Hot milk is exposed to heat and may or may not change chemically and nutritionally, whereas cold milk has all the nutrients intact. Have you ever wondered what difference do these two may have? Are they nutritionally different from each other? Is one healthier than another? It’s important to dig deeper and investigate the health benefits of each kind of milk. If you haven’t given it a thought yet, here’s what you should know.
Benefits of drinking hot milk
Milk is packed with the goodness of amino acids, which help in relaxing the nerves and inducing sleep. This is due to the presence of Tryptophan, this also ensures the growth and development in infants. These acids are activated when the milk is consumed warm before bedtime. Moreover, drinking warm milk also reduces inflammation and pain in the body, this is the reason why it was advised to drink Haldi doodh or Ashwagandha milk before bedtime.
Apart from that, drinking warm milk with honey has been used as an age-old remedy to treat seasonal infections like the common cold, fever, and sore throat. This is because this milk drink has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which makes it great for such ailments. What’s more, drinking warm milk and nutmeg, saffron or cinnamon helps in weight loss, keeps the heart health boosts immunity, and improves reproductive health.
Is cold milk better?
Drinking cold milk early morning helps in relieving heartburn and pain caused due to stomach ulcers. Adding a pinch of Fennel powder or Isabgol also helps in improving digestion. The presence of dietary fibers works as a laxative and promotes bowel movement. It also improves gut health.
What’s more, making simple shakes with almonds, dates, or figs with cold milk helps in improving muscle strength, boosts blood count, improves brain functioning and the presence of amino acids helps in accelerating the metabolic rate, which further helps in weight loss. Apart from that, drinking cold milk in the morning or at breakfast helps in curbing odd hunger cravings and keeps the body hydrated and the presence of calcium helps in keeping the teeth and bones healthy.
In a nutshell
Hot or cold milk depends on the weather and time. Cold milk is good when consumed in the daytime during summer as it cools the body and reduces pitta. Whereas in winters, one must avoid cold milk and instead drink hot turmeric milk in order to nourish the body and keep it warm. Milk, taken at the wrong timing and unsuitable climate conditions, may cause mucus and cause various health problems.
Both types of milk are equally nutrient-dense. Their suitability depends upon the weather conditions. You shouldn’t consume chilled milk during winters as it might give you a cold and cough.
Which one makes for a better drink?
Milk itself is an undisputed superfood and can be consumed in more ways than one. Both have quite a few benefits to offer and can be consumed without any worry. However, remember to drink either of them according to the climate suitability in order to extract all the goodness. Make sure you are not lactose intolerant, as both of the types may not suit your health.