* Cow’s milk and soy. (clickdoctor)
The news was once shocked by media reports that a brand of milk was bought up by the public, because it was rumored to be able to cure Covid-19. Launching from the national media, the chairman of the Covid-19 Task Force of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) at that time, Prof. Zubairi Djoerban emphasized that the milk cannot cure Covid-19.
In general, all types of milk have more or less the same nutritional content and value. Except, sweetened condensed milk is considered to have low protein. Consumption of milk is good for maintaining health and stamina, but drinking milk alone is not enough. So, what are the benefits of milk for Covid-19 survivors?
Two Contents of Milk that Can Boost Immune
During this Covid-19 pandemic, there are many claims that this consumption can heal and protect themselves from Covid-19 transmission. One of the claims circulating among the public is that the consumption of certain milk can be beneficial for corona survivors. What are the facts about this?
Although milk can be an important part of consuming a variety of healthy foods, claims that milk can prevent or cure coronavirus are simply not true. This information could be because milk contains lactoferrin and vitamin D which are indeed beneficial for Covid-19 survivors.
Lactoferrin is a protein that can be found in breast milk and cow’s milk. This protein has several antimicrobial properties and research suggests that the transfer of lactoferrin from mother to baby via breast milk is likely to boost the immune system of a developing baby.
Meanwhile, lactoferrin in foods such as infant formula as well as cow’s milk can provide immune benefits in adults who consume them. The second component of milk that is considered beneficial is vitamin D.
In many countries, milk is fortified with vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that is linked to many functions in the body including growth and immune responses. The claim that vitamin D in milk may protect against the coronavirus could be due to a study published in 2017 by the British Medical Journal which suggested that vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections.
It is important to note that this study investigated vitamin D supplementation at doses much higher than those found in dairy products. This study also did not include Covid-19 in the definition of acute respiratory infection.
Not Only Milk but Also Other Healthy Food Components
While milk may not provide specific immune benefits against the coronavirus, it can be part of a healthy diet that will optimize your health and your body’s readiness to fight off infections of any kind.
In addition to the components previously mentioned, milk also contains vitamin A which helps vision and skin health, calcium which helps maintain bone strength and helps absorption of vitamin D, B vitamins which are important for energy metabolism, and several other important minerals.
It was already mentioned that all milk is generally good. Make sure you store the milk in the fridge to keep the lid clean, which helps keep the milk fresh longer.
Eating foods that support the immune system does not mean you have immunity from certain bacteria or viruses. Immunity means that the body has been exposed to a particular pathogen and now has antibodies that know how to defeat that disease.
Strengthening your immune system doesn’t mean you won’t get infected with a particular disease, but you’re more likely to be able to fight it off if you do. The best way to strengthen the immune system is to live a healthy lifestyle.
This includes not only consuming dairy, but also eating a varied diet such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, exercising, and avoiding smoking and excessive stress.
Best Cow or Soy Milk for Adults?
Both cow’s milk or soy, both are very good for the body. To get the benefits, you can consume only one type, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, not everyone is compatible with the content in cow’s milk. If the body does not allow it to consume it, you can consume soy milk instead. So, cow’s milk or soy milk is best for adults?
Cow’s milk and soy are both milk for adults. Cow’s milk is produced directly from animals, so it contains many nutrients that the body needs. In addition, soy milk contains various types of plant nutrients, which are also able to support body health.
Before choosing what milk for adults is suitable for, you can see the nutritional comparison between cow’s milk and soy below:
1. Energy
The energy produced by cow’s milk and soy comes from protein, carbohydrates, and fats in them. In a glass of whole cow’s milk, there are 146 kcal of energy. Meanwhile, soy milk contains only 80-100 kcal of energy.
2. Carbohydrates
In a glass of whole cow’s milk, there are 11 grams of carbohydrates in it. While soy milk, contains fewer carbohydrates than cow’s milk, which is as much as 8 grams.
3. Protein
Animal protein in a glass of cow’s milk as much as 7.9 grams. Whereas in a glass of soy milk, it only contains 7 grams of vegetable protein. Vegetable protein itself is able to support heart health and increase blood circulation.
4. Fats and cholesterol
A glass of whole cow’s milk contains 7.9 grams of fat. While soy milk, contains only 4 grams of fat in a cup of milk. Soy milk contains no cholesterol, but contains a small amount of saturated fat.
5. Mineral
Cow’s milk contains vitamins B2, B12, D, calcium, and phosphorus. While soy milk contains vitamin B complex, calcium, and phosphorus in less amounts than cow’s milk.
Between Cow’s Milk and Soy, Which is Better?
Soy milk is often used as a substitute, especially for those who are allergic to the content of cow’s milk. When juxtaposed, both have the same nutritional content. If asked to choose which one is better, the answer is to adjust it to the needs of each body.
Cow’s milk has advantages in the content of fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. This milk is suitable for consumption by children during their growth and development. Cow’s milk is also good for consumption by adults as a source of nutrition to support body health.
The thing to note is, cow’s milk contains cholesterol and fat. So, if you have high cholesterol levels in your body, instead of consuming cow’s milk, you should replace it with another alternative, namely soy milk. This type of milk has few calories and is high in protein.
Soy milk is also enriched with minerals, and vitamins A, B, and vitamin D. This milk also does not contain saturated fat and cholesterol, so it is safe for consumption. The good content in it can protect body cells from exposure to free radicals from outside.
That’s the nutritional comparison between cow’s milk and soy. Apparently, both have nutritional content that can support overall body health. Regarding which one is suitable for consumption by adults, you can choose the type of milk that suits your daily needs. (Halodoc/Red)
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