Top 20 Benefits of Milk for Skin, Hair and Health

Milk and milk products are an essential part of our diet and it is consumed by people of all ages whether it is in the form of chai, coffee, plain milk, badam milk, butter, ghee, cheese etc. In India milk is also considered as auspicious. Milk is highly nutritious and considered as a complete food. It is also an excellent source of calcium. Milk is also a good source of nutrients like vitamin A, D (fortified) and B12, phosphorous, protein, potassium, riboflavin and niacin. Because of these properties, milk has some amazing benefits for us.

Nutritional Value of Milk

Nutrition Facts: Milk, whole, 3.25% fat – 100 grams

Benefits of Milk for Skin

Milk is used for skincare and beauty since thousands of years. Egyptian queen Cleopatra was known for taking milk baths as a beauty treatment. Milk is also one of the most common ingredients in almost all organic moisturizing and cleansing products.

1. Moisturizer

Milk is an amazing moisturizer! It is literally packed with vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and alpha hydroxyl acids. Milk moisturizes the skin, makes it soft and supple and nourishes the skin from deep within.

To Use

• 3 tsp. raw milk
• Cotton balls or pads

Method

1. Take approximately 3 tsp. of raw milk in a bowl.
2. Now dip a cotton ball in the bowl and apply milk all over face and neck.
3. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Wash with lukewarm water.

Useful tip: Using raw milk is more beneficial to the skin than using pasteurized milk because during pasteurization, lots of healthy enzymes are lost. Also do not forget to moisturize your neck. It is one of the most neglected part and the first part to show signs of ageing.

2. Natural Cleanser

There are many benefits of milk for face. Raw milk is a mild yet powerful cleanser. It removes all the dirt and dead skin cells and also unclogs the pores, which can prevent acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Another plus point is that it suits all skin types.

To Use

• 3 tsp. of raw milk
• Cotton pads

Method

1. Take a few drops of raw milk on a cotton pad.
2. Wipe your face and neck gently with the cotton pad in circular motions.

Useful tip: Pay special attention to T zone area when cleansing as it is oilier than the other areas of the face.

3. Natural Exfoliator

We just talked about how milk was a great cleanser but guess what, it can also be used for exfoliation. Milk contains lactic acid which has exfoliating properties. It cleans your pores, gets rid of dead skin cells and makes the skin soft and smooth. Try this DIY exfoliator for soft and glowing skin.

To Use

• 1 tbsp. of raw milk
• 3 tsp. pure honey
• ½ tbsp. coarsely powdered oatmeal

Method

1. Take 1 tbsp. of raw milk in a bowl.
2. Add 3 tsp. of pure honey and ½ tbsp. of oatmeal to it.
3. Mix all the ingredients together into a paste like consistency.
4. Gently massage this paste on face and neck for 3 minutes.
5. Let it sit for another 2 minutes.
6. Wash with lukewarm water.

4. Reduces Dark Spots and Blemishes

Lactic acid which is found naturally in milk is an alpha hydroxyl acid. It is known to have skin lightening properties. Milk can be used to reduce dark spots and blemishes.

To Use

• 3 tsp. of raw milk
• Cotton balls or pads
• 1 tsp. honey

Method

1. Add a tsp. of honey to 3 tsp. of raw milk.
2. Mix them together.
3. Using a cotton ball or pad, gently apply to your face and neck. You can also apply it on dark spots and blemishes instead of the whole face.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Wash with lukewarm water.

Useful tip: You can use raw milk alone but the benefits of milk with honey are that both of them are known to have lightening properties and they are great moisturizers too.

5. Anti-Ageing Agent

Milk can reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines thanks to lactic acid. Lactic acid increases collagen production in the body, which is a very important for a healthy, firm and younger looking skin.

To Use

• 1 tbsp. of raw milk
• 3 tsp. of pure honey
• One half of a banana

Method

1. Take one half of a banana and squeeze it well.
2. Now add 1 tbsp. of raw milk and 3 tsp. of pure honey to the banana.
3. Mix it well and make it into a smooth paste.
4. Apply this mixture on clean face and neck.
5. Leave it for 10 minutes.
6. Wash with lukewarm water.

Benefits of Milk for Hair

Milk is not only beneficial for skin but is very useful to keep the hair healthy and beautiful. Milk contains casein and whey proteins which are very helpful to the hair. Given below are some amazing benefits from using milk for hair.

1. Nourishes Dry Hair

Milk contains many nutrients which help keep the hair healthy. Using milk is an effective way to moisturize dry hair and bring it back to life.

2. Promotes Hair Growth

Both casein and whey proteins found in milk are very good hair growth. They reduce hair fall and stimulate hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

3. Makes the Hair Shiny

Using milk hair masks not only make the hair healthy, they also make the hair look shiny and beautiful.

4. Natural Conditioner

Milk can be used as a conditioner and it is just great. It nourishes the scalp and deeply conditions the hair.

5. Increases Keratin Production

Milk is the biggest source of calcium which is known to influence the production of keratin. Keratin is known to protect the hair from breaking and damage.

Benefits of Milk for Health

Milk is a highly nutritious drink. It is considered as a complete food as it contains lots of vitamins and minerals required to keep us healthy. The health benefits of milk are given below.

1. Stronger Bones

As milk is rich in calcium it helps strengthen the bones. Milk is usually fortified with vitamin D which helps the body to absorb calcium.

2. Best Source of Calcium

Milk is the best source of calcium which is a very important mineral that keeps the bones and teeth strong and healthy. It is also necessary for the heart and other muscles to function properly.

3. Reduces the Symptoms Of PMS

Lots of women experience premenstrual syndrome which is commonly called as PMS. Calcium and vitamin D were found be effective in reducing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. Milk is rich in calcium and fortified vitamin D. Consuming milk and milk products was found to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS in women.

4. Helps Weight Loss

There are many benefits of milk for weight loss. Milk is rich in whey protein which can burn fat and retain lean muscle. Several studies have found that consuming milk and milk products reduced the risk of obesity and reduced weight gain. Milk contains calcium, linoleic acid and proteins which are all known to reduce weight gain and lower the risk of obesity.

5. Good for Eyes

Milk contains vitamin A and B2 (riboflavin) which is vital for healthy eyes. Vitamin B2 helps the retention of light in retina and is necessary for the production of glutathione. Vitamin is also very important for colour vision.

6. Fights Depression

Recent studies have found a correlation with vitamin D and depression. Vitamin D is known to play a major role in one’s mental health and mood. Drinking mild with fortified vitamin D could potentially benefit people with depression and lower chances of depression in others.

7. Keeps the Heart Healthy

Studies have proved that drinking milk can reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes. Vitamin D present in milk can improve blood lipid profile, increases insulin sensitivity and controls blood pressure through the regulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Raw milk is also rich in healthy fat which provide the body with good cholesterol. The calcium present in milk decreases vascular resistance and blood pressure, also improves blood lipid profile and inhibits fat absorption. Other minerals which are present in milk such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorous also control blood pressure.

8. Fights Cancer

Raw milk contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which is associated with cancer prevention, healthier cholesterol levels and reduces weight according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. There are a lot of studies on this subject with contradicting results. Vitamin D is also associated with cancer. It was found that deficiency of vitamin D can cause cancer. Several studies conducted on rats have found that vitamin D could help slow or prevent the development of cancer.

9. Stronger Teeth

We now know that milk is rich in calcium and is essential for strong bones. But calcium is also necessary for healthy teeth and gums. It is known to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Vitamin A which is present in the milk helps in the formation of enamel which is a hard and protective outer layer of the tooth.

Useful tip: Raw milk or milk which has not been pasteurized or homogenized contains all of its natural enzymes, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which make the milk extremely nutritious.

10. Helps Pregnant Women

Known as a complete food, there are many benefits of milk during pregnancy. Calcium is very important during pregnancy as it used by the baby for bone development. Milk is one of the best sources of calcium and can prevent calcium deficiency. Milk is also rich in proteins which are important for the buildup of the uterus, blood supply, breasts and baby’s tissues. Kesar or saffron milk is another healthy drink often recommended for pregnant women. Saffron is one the most expensive spice in the world and is nutritious. There are many benefits of kesar milk during pregnancy. It is known to relive flatulence and bloating which is commonly experienced during pregnancy. It also improves the appetite and improves the mood of pregnant women who often experience mood swings.

Note: Saffron can stimulate uterine contractions so it should be consumed in minimum quantities (2 to 3 strands).

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