Milk can be considered a source of hydration, but it is not as hydrating as plain water. Milk contains water, but it also has other components such as fat, protein, and sugar, which can slow down the rate of hydration.
In addition, some people may have trouble digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk, which can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea. So, for these individuals, drinking milk will not hydrate them as well as plain water, and could even cause dehydration due to the digestive symptoms.
It’s worth noting that beverages like tea and coffee also count toward your water intake, but they should not be counted exclusively, and it’s important to drink plain water as well.
For optimal hydration, it’s recommended to drink plenty of plain water, and if you like, you can complement it with other hydrating fluids such as milk, fruit juice or herbal teas. Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals of thirst and drink water when you’re thirsty and also, to monitor your urine color, if it’s light yellow or clear, it’s a sign that you’re well hydrated.
THE BENEFITS OF MILK
Milk is a nutrient-rich food that provides a variety of health benefits. Some of the key benefits of milk include:
- Provides essential nutrients: Milk is an excellent source of several essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. These nutrients are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Good source of protein: Milk is a good source of high-quality protein, which is important for maintaining and repairing muscle tissue.
- May lower blood pressure: Some studies suggest that consuming low-fat milk and dairy products may help to lower blood pressure.
- May reduce risk of certain cancers: Consuming milk and dairy products may also be associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon and ovarian cancer.
- May improve gut health: Milk contains beneficial bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria, which may improve gut health and boost the immune system.
- May help with weight management: Milk is relatively low in calories and may help with weight management when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
- May improve cardiovascular health: Milk contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
It’s worth noting that not all individuals can consume milk due to lactose intolerance or allergies to milk proteins. In these cases, alternative sources of calcium and other nutrients found in milk can be obtained from other foods or supplements.
DOES IT COUNT TOWARD DAILY WATER INTAKE?
Milk can be considered a source of hydration, but it is not as hydrating as plain water. Milk contains water, but it also has other components such as fat, protein, and sugar, which can slow down the rate of hydration. Therefore, it is not recommended to rely solely on milk to meet your daily water intake needs.
For optimal hydration, it’s recommended to drink plenty of plain water, and if you like, you can complement it with other hydrating fluids such as milk, fruit juice or herbal teas. Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals of thirst and drink water when you’re thirsty and also, to monitor your urine color, if it’s light yellow or clear, it’s a sign that you’re well hydrated.
It is also important to note that the water content in milk can vary, some types of milk like skim milk has a higher water content than whole milk, so it may contribute more to hydration than others.
It is always good to have variety in your beverage intake as it can help with hydration and at the same time provide different benefits.