By its very definition, milk is a nutrient-rich liquid meant to nourish young ones of a significant number of species. Invariably, it has consistently ranked among the most-consumed, delectable, and beneficial food sources worldwide for numerous centuries.
Whether it is milk left at room temperature, UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) milk, or pasteurized milk, there are health benefits to consuming them all. However, intake of spoilt milk can be dangerous to health and may even lead to food poisoning in severe cases.
That’s why it is imperative to store this highly sought-after drink properly. But before delving into how you can do that, here are some unbeatable reasons you should consider consuming it every day.
Why should you drink milk regularly?
Studies indicate several science-backed benefits of milk in adults, such as improved body composition and effective weight loss facilitation due to regular intake. Other, more typical reasons people of all ages should consume it include the following:
- Full of nutrients
Milk has exceptional nutritional value, with just a tiny cup containing an average of these: a hundred and forty-six calories, eight grams of protein and fat each, twenty-eight percent of calcium, and about twenty-four percent vitamin D. It also contains a reasonable amount of phosphorus, vitamin B12, selenium, potassium, zinc, and riboflavin.
Moreover, grass-fed cow’s milk contains even more significant amounts of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and combat stress. This feel-good factor is one of the main reasons kids and adults enjoy drinking milk every day.
- Boosts bone health
Besides nutrients, milk is highly rich in calcium and potassium, invaluable ingredients for maintaining good bones and teeth.
The full-fat dairy consists of the beneficial vitamin K2 that plays a crucial part in restoring bone density and tooth health. This is a lot more critical for people who have chronic osteoporosis leading to severe loss in bone mass, as it may prevent further loss and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Protein-rich
Without sufficient protein, the human body cannot efficiently perform necessary functions, such as cellular repair, growth, development, and immune system regulation.
Fortunately, milk is popularly considered a “complete” or “unequivocal protein” as it contains all nine essential amino acids that can keep your body functioning at optimum levels.
Whey and casein are the significant types of protein in milk and can help build muscle, repair injuries or strains, and reduce muscle loss and soreness.
- Prevents obesity
Studies on whole milk associate it closely with weight loss and overall reduced risk of obesity. A study conducted on over a hundred and forty-three-year-old Latino children revealed that the more milk fat they consume, the lesser their chances of childhood obesity were.
Also, another study of over eighteen thousand middle-aged and older women indicated a lower risk of weight gain.
One reason is that milk is a high-protein food source that effectively reduces hunger pangs. Furthermore, it contains linoleic acid, which promotes the breakdown of fat and inhibits its production, leading to lasting weight loss.
Is leaving milk at room temperature a good idea?
You should not drink milk left at room temperature for more than two hours as there are high chances of it having soured.
It happens especially during summer months or in areas with perpetually hot weather conditions, when oxidation occurs and the milk develops microbes. This causes the liquid to become sour and split, rendering it unfit for drinking.
To be sure if the milk has gone bad, check if there are any changes in color, an unpleasant smell, and maybe even curdling.
Although certain milk may survive for a longer time at room temperature during winters, it is still advisable to avoid doing this as it is highly likely to become a food safety issue.
That’s because while consuming milk that has gone bad may not necessarily lead to hospitalization in most cases, it may make people sick for an extended period.
How to store milk properly?
In the United States, pasteurized milk is more prevalent, and it is essential to refrigerate the liquid, or it can quickly become sour and spoiled.
Ideally, milk should be refrigerated in less than forty degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the risk of bacteria formation and spread. According to food experts, the best place to store milk is near the bottom of the refrigerator as the air is cool in that particular area.
If you accidentally leave milk out on your kitchen counter for a couple of hours, it is better not to consume it as it will most likely have split.
