As people pay increasing attention to health, drinking milk has become a dietary habit for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Students carrying schoolbags drink fresh milk to grow taller; office workers from 9 to 5 keep various flavors of yogurt on hand for beauty and health; and retired seniors drink soy milk daily to supplement calcium.
However, despite our careful selection, we may not be very familiar with these three major types: fresh milk, yogurt, and soy milk. Instead of wondering how to choose, let's start with a comparison.
I. Nutritional Value: Fresh Milk is the Highest
Fresh milk contains many minerals needed by the human body, such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which play a significant role in children's development and metabolic regulation. Its unique lactose has more important nutritional functions for the human body. The galactose obtained from the breakdown of lactose is particularly important for the intellectual development of babies; on the other hand, lactose promotes the growth and reproduction of lactic acid bacteria in the human intestine, thereby promoting the absorption of calcium and other minerals.
Yogurt is generally made from high-quality fresh milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria, so its nutritional value, although slightly inferior to fresh milk, does not differ much in terms of nutritional components.
Finally, there is soy milk. Compared to fresh milk, soy milk has a similar protein content, but only one-third of the vitamin B2, zero content of vitamins A and C, and although its iron content is higher, its calcium content is only half that of fresh milk.
II. Health Benefits: A Draw
Generally speaking, the various active substances in milk play a significant role in eliminating foreign bacteria and viruses, repairing damaged and dead tissue cells in our bodies, and maintaining the stability of the internal environment. In addition, fresh milk contains large amounts of calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients.
The lactic acid bacteria in yogurt can ferment lactose to produce a large amount of lactic acid, which plays a significant role in inhibiting the growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria in the intestine. In addition, yogurt also helps with the digestion and absorption of substances in the intestine and enhances the body's immunity.
Soy milk, because it contains high-quality plant protein, fat, and vitamins, and its content of lecithin and vitamin E is higher than that of milk, long-term consumption can regulate blood lipids, protect the liver, prevent arteriosclerosis, and promote thinking. The isoflavones, a minor component in soy milk, also have health benefits for the human body, such as preventing cancer and preventing osteoporosis.
III. Timing: Different for Each
According to research by medical experts in the United States and the United Kingdom, milk contains two hypnotic substances: one that can make people fall asleep quickly, and another with an anesthetic and sedative effect. Therefore, if you drink milk in the morning, it is easy for these two substances to affect our cerebral cortex, thus affecting our work and study during the day. Therefore, nutrition experts believe that fresh milk is best consumed in the evening or half an hour before bedtime.
Relatively speaking, the drinking time for yogurt and soy milk is not as clear. However, if you want to drink yogurt in the morning, in addition to avoiding an empty stomach, it is best to drink some plain water first.
Seniors who are accustomed to drinking soy milk are advised to drink one cup in the morning and one in the evening daily to lower cholesterol in the body and extend their lifespan.