On a cold winter morning, Mr. Zhang sat at the kitchen table as usual, holding a glass of freshly brewed hot milk. However, unlike in the past, he did not drink the milk. Instead, he stared at the white liquid with hesitation and bewilderment. A few weeks ago, an experience of seeing a doctor for stomach pain made him deeply suspicious of milk. The doctor mentioned that perhaps it was the "coldness" of the milk that caused him an upset stomach and advised him to stop drinking it for the time being.
This suggestion made Mr. Zhang think deeply. For many years, milk has been a must-have for his breakfast and has been hailed as the "perfect food", rich in protein, calcium and vitamins. But now,He was suddenly told that such a drink, which was widely considered good for health, might not be suitable for everyone.
This confusion is not Mr. Zhang's personal confusion, but in fact reflects a broader social phenomenon: the controversy over whether milk is suitable for everyone to drink. In China, in particular, the problem seems to be more complex. For a long time, the concept of "cold and heat" in TCM theory has had a profound impact on our eating habits. According to this theory, food is not only nutritious, but also has the function of harmonizing yin and yang, cold and heat in the human body. Under this concept,Milk is considered a "cold" food that may adversely affect people with certain constitutions.
But is that really the case? Is milk really not suitable for Chinese people? This article will take you to the intersection of science and tradition, and unravel the mystery of milk and Chinese digestive adaptation.
Nutritional anatomy of milk: not only calcium**.
Milk, often referred to as "nature's white blood", is rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins D and B complex, which are essential for maintaining human health. Protein is the building block for building and repairing body tissues, and the combination of calcium and vitamin D is the best partner for healthy bones and teeth。The key here is to consume too much or too little, which can affect your health.
Understand the "coldness" of milk
Traditional Chinese medicine divides food into four types: cold, hot, warm and cool, and milk is often classified as "cold", which refers to foods that may cause certain discomforts to the body, such as stomach upset or diarrhea. However, this does not mean that milk should be avoided by all。The effects of cold are related to an individual's physique, and modern nutrition believes that drinking milk in moderation is safe and beneficial for most people.
The digestive fate of milk and the Chinese.
There is a certain proportion of lactose intolerance in the Chinese population, because with age, the activity of lactase in the body gradually decreases, resulting in the inability to completely break down lactose in milk. This does not mean that all Chinese should shun milk. Experimentation and individualized choices can help determine whether milk is suitable for you, as dairy products such as yogurt and cheese tend to be easier to digest due to the breakdown of lactose during fermentation.
Individualized choice, smart drinking.
Knowing if and how you are drinking milk is key. For lactose intolerant, choose lactose-low or lactose-free milk, or try lactase supplements to help digest lactose. In addition, spreading the time spent drinking milk, such as dividing a glass of milk into several drinks, can also reduce the burden on the digestive system.
Milk is not just a drink, it is recognized as a "white**" in the nutrition community, rich in high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, etc., milk plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining bone health and enhancing immunity. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, regular consumption of milk can help prevent osteoporosis and is an indispensable part of daily diet.
The Nature of Cold and Heat: Cultural Misreading or Scientific Fact?
The term "cold" refers to foods that reduce body calories in traditional Chinese medicine, but simply classifying milk as "cold" ignores the differences in individual constitutions. Modern scientific research has shown that:The digestion and absorption of milk is closely related to the physiological condition of the individual, rather than the generalized "cold and hot" attributes.
Lactose intolerance: not a reason to refuse milk.
Lactose intolerance is often misunderstood as milk is not for everyone. In fact, it is a condition of indigestion caused by insufficient lactase in the body. By drinking in moderation, choose low-lactose or lactose-free milkMost people can enjoy the nutritional benefits of cow's milk without having to avoid it entirely.
Milk alternatives: a variety of options.
For people who really can't adapt to cow's milk, there are a variety of milk alternatives available in the market, such as soy milk, almond milk, etc. These alternatives are likewise packed with nutrients, but care should be taken to check the ingredient list when choosingMake sure there are no added sugars and unnecessary additives.