Humans have been consuming milk for thousands of years and it has become a very important part of our diet. As compared to sugary and carbonated drinks, milk is loaded with calcium and minerals which are beneficial for our health.
We consume milk on a daily basis—from pairing it with cereals to adding it into our cake recipes. Even mum constantly reminds us to finish a glass of milk before bedtime when we were younger.
If you have always wondered about the health benefits of drinking milk at night, here are 7 Reasons Why You Should Drink Milk Before You Sleep.
Photo Credit: Mother Jones
#1 HELPS YOU TO SLEEP LIKE A BABY
A glass of warm milk helps to calm your nerves so you can get a good night’s rest. Dairy products such as milk contain an amino acid called tryptophan which helps to induce sleep.
If you have been stressing out over work or school, grab a cup of warm milk and drink it three hours before you head to bed.
#2 AIDS DIGESTION
Regular consumption of milk improves digestion. Those who practice Ayurveda claim that milk provides a special nutrition which you cannot find in other food.
It nourishes all the tissues, balances your hormones and promotes oja—which is a substance produced by the body when there is proper digestion. Ojas are supposed to bring strength, happiness and contentment.
Photo Credit: Spirit Science
#3 STAY FULLER THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT
Don’t you just hate late night hunger pangs? A glass of milk will help to ensure that you remain full for a longer period of time so you do not give in to suppers.
Also, it is a proven fact that children are kept fuller without waking up in the middle of the night due to hunger if they are given a glass of warm milk before sleeping. You are welcome, mummies!
#4 AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS
As milk helps you feel full longer and sleep better at night, you are less likely to indulge excessively and store unwanted calories in your body. More sleep also means lesser cravings the next day!
But of course, everything in moderation. Don’t overdrink milk too, because the extreme side effect is weight gain!
Photo Credit: Decidedly Nutritious
#5 A GOOD RECOVERY DRINK FOR ATHLETES
There has been research showing that protein synthesis and muscle building dips drastically at night. Drinking a large glass of milk gives you an estimate of 10g of protein and is therefore the source of casein you need so that post-exercise recovery is able to continue during the night.
#6 PROTECTION FOR YOUR BONES
Milk is one of the best sources of Vitamin D, and has the calcium needed to build strong bones.
In addition, regular consumption of milk reduces your chances of getting osteoporosis later in life. As they say, prevention is better than cure!
#7 IMPROVES YOUR SKIN CONDITION
Drinking milk before you head off to dreamland helps prevent collagen and elastic loss, which keeps your skin from sagging and looking wrinkly. As a result, you will look more youthful and healthy.