Some studies have suggested milk may have harmful effects on the body. Other studies, however, point out the health benefits of cow’s milk. Dairy is still a common food for many people.
Throughout the world, nutritionists refer to milk as a complete diet because of its richness in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, oils, and various minerals. However, a glass of milk is also not good for health, if it has been spoiled. When trying to determine whether or not your carton of milk is still edible, there are certain clear signs to look for, according to Labuza, a nutritionist
Ways To Identify Bad Milk
You should be wary of milk consumption, hence, these are features you should look out for always.
#1. If The Milk Has Surpassed The Sell-By Date
The date on the carton of milk is not necessarily both a sell-by date and a best-used-by date. Therefore, the timeframe should be seen as a measure of when the milk may be acceptable for consumption. In order to avoid drinking unfit milk, it is important to learn how to look for these signs.
#2. Lost Its Original Colour
You can experience the colour of pure and fresh milk better by pouring it into a transparent glass and observing it against the light. If your milk looks yellow or pale white, it’s very likely that it is not safe to consume. It is important to note that if the milk color is anything other than white, the milk is going bad. Unless you are drinking chocolate milk, your milk should always be white. If you notice a change in colour, you should terminate consumption immediately.
#3. Foul Odour
A carton of fresh milk would have no unusual odour, and an unpleasant smell has shown it is spoilt milk. This is the primary and simplest way to test if it is still good. Take a whiff of your milk carton. If you do not detect any milk aroma, it is likely that it has gone bad. A gallon of milk that has turned bad will exude an exorbitant odor when whiffed.
#4. Changes In The Texture And Consistency
Milk is usually a thin and smooth liquid. If a lump occurs or if the milk becomes clearer or lighter than its natural hue, it is certainly a sign that the milk is not fresh or appropriate to consume.
Try a simple test of the milk’s texture by pouring some milk in a glass to see if the milk starts to curdle, or has an actual yogurt or cottage cheese-like texture and consistency. When you remove the lid from a carton of milk, the liquid should appear clear and free of any sediments. If you believe a gallon of milk has formed clumps or curdled, a gallon of milk should be discarded.
Benefits of Milk
#1. Improve Heart Health: Having healthy HDL cholesterol levels may prevent heart diseases and stroke. Milk provides potassium, which could help to reduce blood pressure. Pastured cows also provide milk with more omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, which has been studied as a protective antioxidant.
#2. Bone and Dental Health Development: Research suggests that milk intake in children leads to higher weights and reduced fracture rates, as well as lower risk of childhood fractures. Women who consumed healthy amounts of dairy and calcium in their diets had children with stronger bones, as compared with women who consumed less healthy amounts. Dairy milk also contains high levels of proteins required for healthy bone, tooth, and muscle growth. A cup of milk provides approximately 7 to 8 grams of casein and whey proteins.
It is estimated that milk contains approximately 30 percent of the daily calcium requirement for adults. Milk also contains potassium and magnesium, which are crucial nutrients for healthy bones and teeth. Nearly half of the calcium in daily consumption in the US comes from dairy products. Most milk is fortified with vitamin D. A cup of fortified milk provides around a quarter of the daily recommended amount. Vitamin D plays a significant role in bone mineralization, calcium absorption, and many other functions in the body.
#3. Improves Appetite: According to a 2013 study, dairy consumption significantly reduced fat intake and helped people feel fuller, thereby reducing the amount of fat they ate overall. Studies suggest that the intake of full-fat dairy leads to lower body weight. Other studies indicate that the consumption of dairy, in general, may lead to a decreased body weight.
#4. Prevents Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease where there is an elevated level of blood sugar. Diabetes increases the risk for stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. Drinking milk is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adults. Researchers suggest milk protein helps improve your blood sugar balance.
Risks Associated with Milk Intake
Many people do not consume dairy products like milk. These people may:
- have allergies or sensitivities to lactose (milk sugar) or casein (milk protein).
- Are concerned about dairy farming and its impact on the environment.
- choose to follow a specific diet, such as vegan or paleo.
- hope to reduce acne or other conditions.
- have concerns about the possibility that milk contains hormones, such as estrogen.
Some critics argue that only humans continue to drink milk after being weaned, stating that it is unnecessary for humans to continue to consume milk.
Hormones In Milk
In 2016, researchers reported in a study that mice consuming high amounts of estrogen in milk experienced hormonal changes. Some people worry that hormones in dairy milk, like estrogen and growth hormones, might adversely affect them. Scientists have not yet found evidence that the hormone levels in dairy milk can negatively affect humans in any manner. However, they do note that the levels of estrogen were far above the levels normally found in cow’s milk.