lifestyle

Morning Or Night - Is There Actually A 'Best Time' To Drink Milk?

Are you team AM or PM?

Cover image via 123rf & Anne-Sophie Benoit/Unsplash

We've all grown up drinking milk. Some believe the best time to enjoy a glass of milk is in the morning, while others say the best time is just before bed.

But is there any truth in either statement? Is there really an optimal time to drink milk?

In collaboration with Dutch Lady, we decided to investigate! :P

With a wide array of nutrients that include vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, it's no denying the goodness of milk

Best known for containing calcium and vitamin D, milk helps keep our bones healthy and strong. Studies suggest that drinking milk regularly may prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.

As a source of quality protein, milk also helps reduce age-related muscle loss and promotes muscle repair after exercise.

With Dutch Lady's improved recipe, you can enjoy even better nourishment. The milk is packed with nutrients like protein and calcium, which help give you a stronger body and stronger bones.

In fact, the improved Dutch Lady recipe was created to better meet Malaysia's Healthier Choice criteria!

While we were brought up to believe drinking milk in the morning is important for energy and growth, what do the experts say?

According to Dr. Rupali Datta, Consultant Nutritionist, "Milk is a complete meal in itself. Traditionally, most of us are used to starting our day with a glass of milk. Those who are not lactose-intolerant can have a glass of milk in the morning to ensure a supply of essential nutrients right at the start of the day."

Meanwhile, a study by Australian researchers found that adults who drank milk in the morning reported feeling fuller and more satisfied, which led to eating fewer calories at lunch time. As a result, there are claims that drinking milk can help you lose weight in a healthy way.

So drinking milk in the morning is good, but what about at night?

It's a common belief that a glass of milk before bed will help you get restful sleep. 

The truth is, milk contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps induce sleep. It also contains melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. While these compounds are known to support healthy sleep cycles, there is not enough research on whether the effect of milk really aids a good night's rest.

However, most experts agree that milk does promote sleep, due to the combination of the chemical compounds AND the psychological effects of a soothing bedtime routine.

In general, it doesn't really matter when you drink milk. However, in certain instances, drinking milk at a specific time may help you reap the most benefits.

Milk is rich in protein, and can aid in weight loss and muscle building. This is because protein-rich foods can boost weight loss by improving metabolism. Plus, if you drink milk after working out, you help support muscle growth and improved body composition.

In fact, a three-month study found that out of 10 young women, those who drank fat-free milk five days per week after strength training experienced greater improvements in muscle mass and fat loss, compared with those who did not drink milk.

TL;DR: if you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, studies suggest that drinking milk right after workouts is best.

Image via Outlive Forever

In the end, it looks like there's truth on both sides of the argument - drinking milk is equally good for you in the morning and the evening (and after workouts!)

Dutch Lady has kept Malaysians nourished since 1963, and continues to evolve and meet the needs of everyday Malaysians.

The full range of Dutch Lady Liquid Milk and Family Milk Powder has new and improved recipe to meet Malaysia's Healthier Choice criteria.

Image via Dutch Lady

The Healthier Choice Logo helps Malaysians make informed and balanced choices. So, be sure to look out for the symbolic red HCL logo on every pack of Dutch Lady the next time you do your groceries!

There are so many varieties of liquid milk and powdered milk, with loads of different flavours. It's no wonder Dutch Lady is the number one dairy brand in Malaysia.

And what's even cooler is Dutch Lady's new packaging, which is made from recyclable materials sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified forests

Committed to sustainability, Dutch Lady's initiatives encourage all Malaysians to do their part in helping the environment. Every Dutch Lady pack is now recyclable, with informative steps on the package so everyone is informed and educated on the importance of sustainability.

A QR code on each pack provides further information on participating recycling centres, as well as steps on how to recycle at the respective centres. How awesome is that!

Tadaaa……Presenting to you Dutch Lady with a brand new look! And not only that, it comes with improved recipe too! Spot the differences and let us know in the comments below!

Posted by Dutch Lady Malaysia on Thursday, 23 July 2020

Get your milk fix with Dutch Lady. Find out more about the improved recipe and new packaging here!

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