Is milk a friend or enemy for our bones? Here is what a study says

Milk
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By Amirtha P S, Desk Reporter
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You probably were told your entire childhood that you need to drink milk to grow big and strong. Well, it is true as milk is a rich source of calcium that can help strengthen bones. Not just this, milk also has magnesium, potassium, protein, fat, vitamin D and vitamin B12, which makes it a super healthy food.

But as is the rule, too much of anything, however nutritious or healthy is bad for your health. And the same goes with milk. Drinking too much milk can actually cause damage to your bones, which is the opposite of what it is meant to do.

According to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal, BMJ, it was found that drinking three or more glasses of milk every day may increase the risk of women confronting bone fractures by 16 percent.

The study reveals that the high consumption of milk may increase the chances for fractures due to the presence of D-galactose, which is found in the naturally occurring sugar in milk, lactose. Lactose is believed to exacerbate oxidative stress and contribute to low-grade chronic inflammation. And we all know that inflammation can ruin the body in various ways.

Dairy products like full-fat cow’s milk and cheese contain saturated fat, which can increase inflammation. Saturated fat can also raise bad cholesterol and increase your risk of heart diseases.

Meanwhile, another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that bone fractures due to osteoporosis in older adults are higher in countries that consume the most dairy, animal protein and calcium.

Experts suggest that around 250 ml of milk per day is enough for people who also consume paneer or curd daily.

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