Milk, known as white blood, is nutrient-rich and good for human health. It can help us build healthy bones and teeth and strengthen our immune systems.
Good source of protein
Milk is a high-quality source of protein, and the protein in milk can release 8 types of essential amino acids that cannot be made by the body and must come from food. Besides, amino acids in milk are easily absorbed by the human body, with the absorption rate at 98%-100%.
In addition to proteins, milk also contains
- vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, K, E, etc.
- Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, etc.
- fat
- carbohydrate
- inorganic salt
- other contents
Milk is known as the best source of calcium, and the calcium to phosphorus ratio in milk is perfect and conducive to the absorption of calcium.
Not good for everyone
Though high in nutrition, milk is unsuitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk.
An enzyme called “lactase” is required to digest lactose in milk. However, many people are deficient in lactase and cannot digest all lactose. The extra lactose is finally metabolized to lactic acids, resulting in diarrhea. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance are susceptible to diarrhea.
People allergic to proteins shall also avoid milk consumption. Milk allergy can cause diarrhea, vomiting, redness, asthma, and even shock.
Can cancer patients drink milk?
Common people without lactose intolerance and milk allergy can be happy to enjoy milk, but can milk be consumed for people with cancer.
The answer is yes. There is no evidence that milk consumption will lead to tumor progression and metastasis. Cancer patients can drink milk, as long as they have no discomforts caused by milk consumption before getting cancer.
Cancer patients are most likely malnourished after experiencing cancer treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. They need to get enough protein to promote general health and facilitate recovery.
People who just finish the gastrointestinal operation, however, shall avoid milk consumption.
The daily protein intake for non-obese cancer patients is about 1.2 g/kg body weight. They can drink about 500 to 1000 ml of milk a day if they are lactose tolerant.
Yogurt is a good alternative for cancer patients with lactose intolerance. It contains vitamin Bs and probiotics which can help regulate the intestinal flora.
