Milk has been part of the human diet since Neolithic times. Its regular consumption has contributed significantly to improving the health of the population, as it is a safe, relatively long-lasting and affordable product.

A source of calcium, vitamins and proteins of high biological value, it is associated with a reduction in infant mortality and diseases such as high blood pressure, anaemia and obesity. Its multiple benefits make it advisable to consume between 2 and 4 servings of dairy products per day, according to the World Health Organization.

1.- Nutritious food: a glass of milk contains a large number of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is also a great source of calcium, which is necessary for bones.

2.- Low calories: unlike other types of snacks that may have more carbohydrates, a glass of milk in that moment of weakness when you want to raid the fridge will be better for your body.

3.- Controls blood pressure: although if you are hypertensive, you will probably have to take a pill every day, the source of potassium in milk helps to keep your blood pressure steady.

4.- Less acidity: milk helps the body to eliminate excess of uric acid through urine, facilitating transit. It also helps, when you have acidity in the stomach, to calm it down. But be careful with this, because if you do it too often, it can be worse in the long run. If you often have heartburn in your stomach, it is better to see a specialist.

5.- Helps you recover: after intense exercise, it has been proven that a glass of milk helps you recover faster and better than if you only drink a glass of water or an isotonic drink.

6.- Prevents osteoporosis: as long as its consumption has been adequate during childhood and adolescence, it helps to prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis when the bones reach maturity, around the age of 30.

7.- Source of essential amino acids: Milk contains all the essential amino acids, including isoleucine (necessary for the formation of haemoglobin and for stabilising and regulating energy and blood glucose levels), leucine (which promotes the healing of muscle tissue, skin and bones) and lysine, which is responsible for ensuring the proper absorption of calcium and, like valine, also present in milk, for maintaining an adequate nitrogen balance in adults. In addition, lysine helps in the production of antibodies and in the formation of the collagen that makes up cartilage and cognitive tissue.

8.- Contains fibre: milk oligosaccharides are complex sugars that function as selective growth substrates for specific beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. They also have anti-pathogenic effects and prevent infection and adhesion of some bacteria and viruses, such as HIV. Milk would also have positive effects on constipation. According to a study in elderly patients with mild constipation, three weeks’ consumption of yoghurt enriched with galactooligosaccharides, prunes and seeds increased the stool frequency and ease of defecation, as reported in the report “Milk as a Health Driver for the Population”.