Have you ever seen lactose-free milk on supermarket shelves and wondered if this version is good or bad? This milk is perfect for your health and helps keep various body functions working correctly.
First, it is essential to know that cow’s milk with reduced or zero lactose has the same properties as the standard version; it just goes through a process where the primary sugar is removed.
It is necessary to clarify that this milk is indicated for those with an intolerance and not a milk allergy, which is a different condition; it is also unsuitable for a vegan diet, as it is still the food of animal origin. That said, check out why to add this drink to your life!
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What are the benefits of consuming lactose-free milk?
Nutritionist Vanessa Nogueira clarified that lactose-free milk is a healthy and beneficial option even for people not intolerant to this type of carbohydrate.
“Lactose is a molecular structure that comprises the sugar in milk,” teaches Vanessa. However, not everyone can digest it. The body must produce an enzyme called lactase, which serves “to break/hydrolyze this large chemical structure into smaller fractions (glucose and galactose),” causing the body to do so. Enjoy it.
Therefore, the only difference between this and the traditional version of the product is the absence of this sugar.
Furthermore, it “has the same nutritional benefits [as regular milk], as this version only lacks milk sugar, the amount of protein and fat is the same,” said the expert.
Good for bones and muscles
As the nutritionist explains, lactose-free milk has the same benefits as the “common” version, including a large amount of calcium, making it beneficial for bone health.
Some proteins present in food, especially caseins and lactoglobulins, improve the transport of minerals through the blood and increase their absorption rate by the intestine.
Milk is also a source of vitamin A, another essential compound for maintaining bone integrity.
Because of this, the consumption of this drink is ideal for helping people who suffer from carbohydrate intolerance to reach daily levels of calcium through food and prevent nutritional deficiencies that increase the risk of bone diseases and fractures.
Protects the health of the intestinal tract
Milk can help in the proliferation of microorganisms that are part of the intestinal flora, a set of essential bacteria to prevent diseases that can affect the intestinal tract.
Furthermore, this type of milk is better digested, especially for those with a problem metabolizing lactose. The body doesn’t need to release an enzyme called lactase, which breaks this sugar into smaller parts.
As a result, the body can faster, and there is a reduction in the chances of suffering from the discomfort that may appear after consumpconsumingproducts.
It helps strengthen the immune system.
This drink is also considered an ally of the immune system, the body’s defence against disease.
Proteins found naturally in milk help to regulate the production of cells that are part of this system.
When digesting these proteins, the body produces peptides, molecules formed by amino acids acting as natural immunomodulators.
Protect the vision
Adopting the consumption of zero lactose milk is also an excellent way for people who suffer from some intolerance to increase their intake of vitamin A and protect their eyesight against blindness.
Each 200 ml glass of milk has about 74 micrograms of this nutrient, which represents 9% of the daily consumption for an adult person. “Okay, but what does this have to do with vision?”
The body uses vitamin A to produce components that make up the structure of the eye. For this reason, keeping the consumption of it in the recommended amounts is a way to prevent degenerative problems and dry eye disease.
Promotes a healthy pregnancy
Food is a source of folic acid. This nutrient is essential for anyone considering getting pregnant during the first weeks of pregnancy.
It is even recommended to supplement it during this period, as it participates in the growth and maturation process of the baby’s nervous system.
Adequate milk consumption can help prevent brain malformations in children and reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to complications during this period.
Who Should Drink Zero Lactose Milk?
Have you seen that lactose-free cow’s milk has the same benefits as the traditional one, but anyone can consume this version, or is there any harm to health?
As Vanessa Nogueira explains, even if you are not intolerant, consuming lactose-free milk does not result in a loss of benefits, flavour or nutrients.
Can those who are allergic to milk consume this version?
No, allergy and intolerance are two different problems.
In the first picture, according to the nutrition professional, what happens is that “the body’s immune system does not recognize the proteins in that food and rejects them,” which usually occurs in childhood and is overcome over time in 80% of cases.
However, no process exists to eliminate these proteins, as with carbohydrates. Therefore, the best option is to avoid consuming milk and dairy products and opt for vegetable versions.
“Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, concerns the body not being able to manufacture the lactase enzyme, thus being unable to hydrolyze lactose into smaller fractions for absorption in the body,” explains Vanessa.
Also, according to her, “This can be corrected with some drugs; even so, they should be prescribed with caution because the high consumption of lactose can cause intestinal inflammation, in addition to uncomfortable stomach pains and vomiting.”
The best option is to opt for free versions of this carbohydrate whenever possible.
Other healthy and lactose-free milk options
“For those with lactose intolerance, consuming zero lactose dairy products is the recommended option; for others, the consumption of plant extract, popularly known as vegetable milk, can be used.”
Among the main vegetable milks are: soy, rice or oilseed milk such as chestnuts.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.