Everyone knows that drinking milk is beneficial, but there are many things to consider. Improper pairing can not only negate the benefits but may also cause some harm.
1. Oranges and Milk: It is not advisable to eat oranges for about an hour before or after drinking milk. This is because the protein in milk will curdle upon contact with the citric acid in oranges, affecting digestion and absorption. During this time, other acidic fruits should also be avoided.
2. Juice and Milk: 80% of the protein in milk is casein. When the pH of milk drops below 4.6, a large amount of casein will coagulate and precipitate, making it difficult to digest and absorb. In severe cases, this can lead to indigestion or diarrhea. Therefore, acidic beverages like juice should not be added to milk.
3. Milk and Sugar: The lysine in milk can react with fructose under heating conditions to form a toxic substance called fructoselysine, which is harmful to the human body. Therefore, sugar should not be added while fresh milk is boiling. It is perfectly fine to add sugar after the milk has been boiled and slightly cooled.
4. Milk and Chocolate: Milk is rich in protein and calcium, while chocolate contains oxalic acid. Consuming them together can form insoluble calcium oxalate, which significantly hinders calcium absorption. This can even lead to symptoms such as dry hair, diarrhea, and slow growth.
5. Milk and Medicine: Some people like to use milk instead of water to take medicine. In fact, milk significantly affects the body's absorption of drugs. Milk can easily form a film on the surface of the medication, causing the calcium and magnesium in the milk to react chemically with the drug, forming non-water-soluble substances. This, in turn, affects the release and absorption of the drug's efficacy. Milk should not be consumed one hour before or after taking medication.