Folklore says things like "drinking milk in the summer causes internal heat" and "the nutritional value of milk is not as good in the summer as in the winter." As the weather gets hotter, some people find themselves in a dilemma: with milk, which has been scientifically proven to be highly nutritious, should they drink it in the summer or not?
High summer temperatures cause excessive sweating, which leads to the loss of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. The results of the Third National Nutrition Survey, conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, show that calcium is currently the most deficient nutrient among Chinese residents. The average per capita calcium intake is less than 50% of the recommended amount. The objective phenomenon of calcium loss through sweat in the summer makes calcium deficiency in the human body even more severe! Drinking milk is the best way for the body to supplement calcium; no other beverage can compare.
Nutrition experts also point out that according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, milk is sweet and slightly cool in nature, with the effects of moistening the lungs and stomach, the skin, promoting the production of body fluids, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and nourishing deficiency. Milk contains about 70% water, and the protein and fat in milk are easily digested and absorbed by the human body. Therefore, drinking milk in the hot summer can replenish the water lost due to sweating, and it can also increase nutrition, which is extremely beneficial for maintaining health in the summer.
In addition, milk contains various immunoglobulins, such as antibodies against Salmonella, antibodies against poliovirus, and other antibodies, which can greatly enhance the body's immune and disease-resistant capabilities. Therefore, drinking milk in the summer not only does not cause "internal heat" but can also clear heat and detoxify. The nutritional value of milk has no necessary connection with the season of winter or summer. On the contrary, people's metabolism speeds up in the summer and requires more nutritional supply, so consumers can drink milk with confidence.
Food experts especially remind consumers that when selecting and drinking milk in the summer, special attention must be paid to the safety of the milk's quality. Because milk is rich in nutrition, it is also a breeding ground for bacteria and is very perishable, so it has very strict requirements for conditions such as temperature and light.
The varieties of milk on the market are五花八门 (a wide array). To drink, one should choose milk that is of superior quality, nutritious, and safe to drink. Many people now prefer to buy cartons of shelf-stable milk from supermarkets. This type of milk is instantaneously sterilized at ultra-high temperatures to kill all harmful bacteria and microorganisms, and then filled into sterile paper cartons or pillow packs under sterile conditions. The aseptic paper packaging is a six-layer composite of paper, aluminum, and plastic, which can isolate air, light, and bacteria. It contains no preservatives and can protect the milk's nutrition and flavor at room temperature, and it is convenient to drink anytime and anywhere.
Experts recommend that in the summer, it is advisable to drink milk packaged in aseptic cartons or bags. This milk has been sterilized at high temperatures for a short period. The packaging material is a six-layer composite of paper, aluminum, and plastic, which effectively isolates the damage to milk from light, bacteria, and air. It can be stored for a long time at room temperature without adding preservatives, is convenient to drink anytime and anywhere, and is not only suitable for home drinking but also an essential drink for summer outings.