Different Types of Milk & their Health Benefits

In an age where nutrition is increasingly seen as an appendage to daily living, we tend to lose out on various vitamins and minerals. 

Most of us believe that milk only provides calcium and is only meant for children. No matter the age, we can always benefit from skimmed or low-fat milk varieties. When picking which milk to drink, there is lots of choice today. Today we're looking at the different types of milk available and their health benefits.

# Coconut Milk:

Coconut milk is a common ingredient in South Indian cooking that makes the curry rich and delicious.

Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

Coconuts provide vitamins, minerals and fibers that prevent diseases like gallbladder stones and liver diseases, inflammation and skin diseases, to name a few. If you want proteins, coconut milk is a good source. It also provides iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, vitamins: C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6. Surprisingly coconut milk is far richer in calcium than regular milk.

Coconut milk also supports the immune system, helps in weight loss and is great for digestion.

# Almond Milk:

Almonds are a great snack, if you are fasting or if you simply want a potent healthy snack to keep you full for longer. Some dishes also use almonds as garnish and it is an excellent medium in desserts.

Health Benefits of Almond Milk

Almond milk, just like coconut milk, is a great alternative for vegans. Almond milk is a good source for proteins; it is also low in calories unlike cow's milk. This milk contains vitamin E, magnesium, monounsaturated fats, manganese, copper and ribloflavin. Boost your energy and lower heart diseases with almond milk.

# Cow's Milk:

Cow's milk is most commonly used milk in India, also used to make enticing Indian sweets.

Health Benefits of Cow's Milk

If you have calcium deficiency, you will be told to drink cow's milk. This milk contains fats, minerals and vitamins like vitamin D, proteins, vitamin B, potassium, iodine and it is a good substitute to Omega 3. Cow's milk is not fattening but it should be complimented with a healthy diet.

Besides strengthening the bones with calcium, cow's milk is known to control blood pressure as it contains potassium, iodine promote thyroid function and prevents gout.

# Goat's Milk:

Most Indians may not use goat's milk, but high up in the hilly regions of northern Indian, goat's milk is widely used. But the buck does not stop there, globalization and India's love for Italian food has seen an increase in the import of goat cheese.

Health Benefits of Goat's Milk

Indian women are prone to iron deficiency and the answer could lie in goat's milk. Goat's milk helps prevent softening of bone and anemia. It also aids digestion and 'metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.'

The secret lies in the high presence of iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Apparently goat's milk has less fat, builds your immune system, and reduces anti - inflammation of the bowel.

Goat's Milk is better than Cow's Milk.

# Raw Milk:

Consuming raw milk is a trend that promotes the importance of organic food.

Health Benefits of Raw Milk

Raw milk contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. There are healthy bacteria in raw milk; pasteurised milk kills these microbes, it's all for a good cause.


- Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.
- Pasteurization DOES kill harmful bacteria.
- Pasteurization DOES save lives.

# Soy Milk:

This is a common substitute for those who are lactose intolerant or vegetarian. Soy milk also comes under probiotic food choice.

Health Benefits of Soy Milk

Soy milk contains fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the smooth functioning of our body. You can count on soy milk to improve good cholesterol and help in weight loss; the omega 3 and 6 in soy milk strengthens the blood vessels, claims to prevent prostrate cancer, osteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome.

Soy milk is easily available.

# Cardamom or Eliachi Milk:

May not be a common ingredient in milk, but flavoured milk is always refreshing on a hot day. Cardamom milk is healthier than having flavoured milk like chocolate and strawberry.

Health Benefits of Cardamom Milk

Cardamom contains potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C and magnesium. Cardamom is traditionally used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. 

It is very easy. Just like turmeric milk, immerse two or three pods in your milk and heat.