Is it okay to drink milk on an empty stomach at night?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
It is best not to drink milk on an empty stomach, as this reduces its nutritional value. Milk is rich in high-quality protein, which primarily serves to build new body tissues and repair existing ones. If consumed on an empty stomach, milk passes quickly through the stomach, and the proteins in milk are broken down and used as energy instead of fulfilling their essential role in tissue building and repair.
Milk is a common and nutritious food in daily life. Drinking milk regularly not only boosts immunity but also enhances bodily functions, and consuming milk at night can improve sleep quality. But is it okay to drink milk on an empty stomach at night?
Is it okay to drink milk on an empty stomach at night?
It's best not to drink milk on an empty stomach, as this may reduce its nutritional value. Milk is rich in high-quality protein, which primarily helps build new body tissues and repair existing ones. If consumed on an empty stomach, milk passes quickly through the stomach, and the proteins in milk are broken down into energy and consumed by the body instead of fulfilling their primary role. Without sufficient carbohydrates or fats, the proteins in milk are forced to be converted into energy.
Milk has benefits such as nourishing the body, benefiting the lungs, and moistening the intestines. It can neutralize stomach acid, prevent gastric acid from irritating ulcer sites, and effectively treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, promoting healing of the digestive tract mucosa. The whey in milk helps remove melanin and prevents pigment deposition that leads to dark spots, giving milk certain beauty-enhancing effects. Vitamin B2 in milk promotes skin metabolism, leaving the skin smooth, soft, fair, and radiant. However, individuals with weak spleen and stomach functions should avoid drinking cold milk.
Milk should be consumed about one hour before or after meals, and should not be taken together with acidic fruits. We hope this answer is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
