Many people are confused about whether they should include milk in their daily diet. Some avoid it due to lactose intolerance, while others wonder if plant-based milk is healthier. To clear these doubts, Hindustan Times Lifestyle spoke to Dr. Suma Uday, a senior endocrinologist from Narayana Health, Bengaluru, who also works at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, UK.
Should We Drink Milk Daily?
Dr. Uday said that milk is good for health because it is rich in calcium, which helps keep our bones strong. However, she pointed out that milk does not naturally contain vitamin D unless it is fortified. So, milk alone cannot meet all of our body’s nutritional needs.
Is Cow Milk Harmful?
The doctor clarified that cow’s milk is safe for most people. The only exception is those who are allergic to milk protein—they should avoid it after consulting a doctor.
What About Vegan or Plant-Based Milk?
Dr. Uday explained that there is no medical reason to drink vegan or plant-based milk unless someone chooses it for personal preference.
She also said the nutrition in plant-based milk depends on what it’s made from — for example, soy milk has more protein than oat or rice milk
