The best time to drink milk, as per Ayurveda | The Times of India (2024)

Often referred to as the complete food, milk forms an intrinsic part of the Indian diet. It is often enjoyed as a stand-alone beverage and used in making various desserts and curries. Milk is loaded with nutrients including protein, vitamin A, B1, B2, B12 and D, magnesium and potassium. It is even called a complete food as it is rich in various minerals, vitamins, fat, protein and carbohydrates. Milk holds a special place in Ayurveda, for its digestive and nutritional properties. And if you too love having your glass of milk, read ahead to know the right time and way to consume it, as per Ayurveda.

As per Ayurveda, the best time to have milk is at night before you go to bed. For added benefits, you can have it with ashwagandha, which helps improve sleep and boosts your memory.

Ayurveda recommends everyone to have milk, except those who are allergic to it.

But people who want to build muscles and kids under the age of 5 can have milk first thing in the morning. Rest the rest, its best to have milk in between evening to nighttime.

Drinking milk at night promotes Ojas. Ojas is referred to as a state in Ayurveda when you achieve proper digestion. Milk also has sedative properties, thus drinking milk before bedtime can calm you and help you get a sound sleep.

The calcium absorption from milk is also better at night due to less activity levels.

To get the maximum from your glass of milk, it is important to know the right way to consume it.

Don't be shocked when we tell you that Ayurveda forbids consumption of milkshakes. As per Ayurvedic rules, mangoes, bananas, melons and other sour fruits should never be blended with milk or yoghurt.

Bananas when blended with milk can diminish agni (gastric fire) and change the intestinal flora, resulting in toxins, causing sinus congestion, cold, cough, allergies, rashes and hives.