Milk is one of the most consumed beverages in the United States. In addition, more than a third of the world population are consumers of milk. Humans take milk from various animals especially cows. However, the benefit of milk in the human body has been a contentious issue in the society. Many people consume milk because they believe that it contains nutrients which are vital for the human body. Food nutritionists have also recommended intake of milk to ensure that human body acquires rich nutrients and milk used in various process and functions in the body. On the other hand, critics against milk consumption by humans provide several reasons against the intake of milk.
According to Jaret (2015), milk is healthy for humans because it is the prime source of three important nutrients required by the human body. The nutrients are Potassium, Vitamin D, and Calcium. In addition, milk contains several other nutrients such as riboflavin, phosphorus, Vitamin A and B12, and protein. Calcium plays a significant role in muscle contraction, transmission of messages through nerves, and helps in the release of hormones. It also helps in preventing loss of blood by taking part in blood clotting hence helping in healing of wounds (Jaret, 2015). Lack of enough calcium in the body results in weak bones because the body will take calcium from bones to enable normal cell function.
Use your promo and get a custom paper on
"Is Milk Healthy For Humans?".
Milk contains potassium which is vital for proper functioning of all cells, organs, and tissues. It is also an electrolyte that conducts electricity within the body along with chloride, sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Deficiency of potassium can result in soft bones in children, a condition known as rickets, and fragile bones in adults, a condition known as osteomalacia. According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, Americans are taking too much sodium and too little potassium hence exposing themselves at risk for high blood pressure (Gunnars, 2014). Vegetables and fruits are rich in potassium. Furthermore, there were arguments to increase vegetables and fruits for the people. However, people were already not eating the required serving set by FDA.
Jaret (2015) points out that people should take milk because it helps in weight reduction especially in the abdominal area in women. Milk is available in various forms such as flavored milk. Children and adolescents should take milk since it contains Calcium and Vitamin D required for their development. Organic milk is also important because it contains large amount of Vitamin E. Milk is healthy for humans because it helps to improve the cardiovascular and oral health of humans, prevents cancer, and provides relief to PMS.
On the other hand, opponents of milk intake argue that milk is unhealthy for humans because there is little evidence that drinking milk is related with less bone fractures. Countries that do not produce milk especially in Asia have recorded low rates of fractures. In addition, they argue that milk contains high calories which can increase the risks of prostate and ovarian cancer when served 3 or more per day (John, 2003). There are also other sources of calcium such as beans, leafy greens, and soya milk. Tomatoes, spinach, oranges, and bananas are also rich in potassium.
There are different viewpoints regarding the intake of milk. Opponents against human milk intake argue that nutrients from milk can be obtained from other ways such as from vegetables. This increases the debate if milk from animals should be consumed by human beings. My stance on the issue of milk and health is that, milk is vital for the human body because of the nutrients contained in it. However, people should be educated that they can acquire the nutrients from other sources of food not necessarily milk. In addition, milk intake should be properly advised so as to avoid cases of prostate and ovarian cancer.
