Fun Facts – 8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Milk
It’s not quite World Milk Day yet (June 1st), but milk is a popular drink across the globe, so it should be celebrated. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of fascinating facts that few people know about milk.
- Milk is Better than Water for Exercise
The next time you head to the gym for a workout, grab yourself a bottle of no-fat milk along with your usual water for hydration. Studies show that not only is milk a good source of hydration, but it may also improve your endurance and fitness levels during exercise. If you don’t already drink milk regularly, you may want to reconsider if you’re hoping for greater fat-burning results from your workouts.
- The Majority of People in the World Are Lactose Intolerant
Roughly 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. This means they cannot drink milk or eat other dairy products without experiencing uncomfortable side effects shortly after. From stomach pains to diarrhea, lactose intolerance happens because the body doesn’t produce the enzymes needed to digest milk. While most babies have no problem tolerating milk, adults often become lactose intolerant as they age.
- Humans Are the Only Species that Milk Another Species
As you enjoy that glass of milk, consider this: humans are the only species that harvest milk from another species. Sure, you can hand-feed cow’s milk to another animal, but no other animal actively sets out to extract milk from another animal species.
- Milk May Contribute to Acne
If you drink a lot of milk and also experience acne breakouts, you may want to lay off the dairy for a while. This is because the hormones in milk cause oil glands in the skin to produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and increased acne breakouts. If you’re self-conscious about pimples, staying away from milk and other dairy products may give your skin the break it needs to clear up.
- Almost Every US Household Has Milk in the Refrigerator
As mentioned earlier, many people are lactose intolerant. Despite this fact, however, almost every US household has milk in the refrigerator. This is because milk is a necessary ingredient in many recipes, and it’s good for children as it contains lots of vitamins and minerals their bodies need for growth.
- 90 Percent of the Milk on Grocery Shelves Comes from Cows
Cow’s milk is most popular as many people feel that it tastes the best. This is why 90% of the milk you find on grocery shelves comes from cows. With that said, other types of milk can be found in grocery stores as well. Goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, and soy milk are other popular types of milk people buy and drink regularly. In fact, dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, and macadamia milk are growing in popularity every year.
- Goat Milk is a Good Alternative for Lactose Intolerance
Because it contains less lactose than cow’s milk, goat’s milk is a good alternative for people who experience lactose intolerance. Goat milk also is less acidic than cow’s milk, so it is gentler on the human digestive system.
- Raw Milk is Dangerous
Drinking raw milk may not only cause stomach issues, but it can also be life-threatening. This is because milk straight from the cow contains bacteria and microorganisms that are dangerous to human health. Raw milk must be disinfected and pasteurized to make it safe to drink.
The next time you pick up a gallon of milk from the grocery store, remember the fun facts listed above and revel in the miracle that is milk.
