White Lies? 7 Myths About Milk That You Need To Stop Believing In

Milk has been a staple in our diet for the longest time. We've been fed all this amazing information about the benefits of milk, that for the longest time, it was considered a superfood. You probably heard your mom or your grandma mouthing off the benefits of having a glass of milk every day.

However, some of those milk statistics are totally false. Yes, milk is a rich source of proteins, carbs, and fats, as well as micro-nutrients like Vitamin B, magnesium, potassium and calcium. But what are the white lies that come attached with a nice cool glass of milk? Here are a few lactose-related myths we've busted for you.

1. "Milk makes your bones stronger"

Moms always claim that milk is the best source of calcium and helps in strengthening your bones. But this is not the case. A study by Harvard University observed 72,000 women for a period of two decades and found out that milk makes no difference in the strength of your bones. The miracle drink doesn't prevent fractures or osteoporosis. Another study found that the more milk people consumed as teenagers, the higher the chances became for them to get bone fractures as adults. Pretty ironic, isn't it?

2. "Having a glass of milk is like having a calcium supplement." 

Milk does contain calcium, but it's not enough to substitute what your body needs. In fact, there is more calcium in a teaspoon of chia seeds than there is in a glass of milk. In fact, foods like collards, bok choy, fortified soy milk, and baked beans contain more calcium than your warm glass of milk. But dieticians recommend that calcium needs to be paired with Vitamin D, so a good way to get your daily dose of calcium is through supplements.

3. "Growing children need to have milk every day." 

If you put up a fuss with your mom when it came to having your everyday glass of milk, you were doing a good job from saving yourself. Yes, you read that correctly, you saved yourself by throwing that epic tantrum! Studies have found that children who were made to consume milk were at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes and colic. So say no to that glass of milk!

4. "A glass of milk is like a meal by itself."

Milk has been considered as a superfood for too long. The healthy drink is rich in nutrients, but that doesn't mean it can substitute a whole meal. Your body requires vitamins and minerals. More importantly, you need fiber to function. That's something that milk doesn't have. You could also be compromising on the calories your body needs to produce energy.

5. "You can lose weight with a glass of milk."

Like we mentioned earlier, milk should never be considered an entire meal. A lot of companies have long claimed that milk can help you slim it down. But the truth is that milk has zero benefits for weight loss. A study has also found that milk doesn't help in weight loss, rather, it may just lead to weight gain. Another interesting fact is that skim milk has a higher sugar content than regular milk, which can also make you pack on the pounds.

6. "Milk isn't bad for the heart, it's really good for it."

Ever heard of a double cheeseburger preventing a heart attack? Well, milk and other dairy products are the biggest sources of artery-clogging fat. Most Americans can blame milk-based products for their obesity as well. Milk contains dietary cholesterol and if your diet contains high saturated fats and cholesterol, you could be increasing your chances of heart disease. 

7. "Milk is nature's perfect food" 

Perfect for calves, maybe. But not for humans! 60% of human beings are lactose intolerant. That can cause certain digestive discomforts such as cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Studies have also linked the regular consumption of milk to breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, as well as prostate cancer. So think twice before you reach for that glass of milk!