The best time to drink milk to get maximum benefits | The Times of India (2024)

Milk holds an important place in the Indian diet, be it kids or adults everyone loves to savour a glassful. While it is recommended for kids during their growth years, adults are often suggested to include milk in their diet for better bone health. A glass of milk is quite filling and is often referred to as ‘the complete diet’. You can either drink plain milk or add some flavours to it to make it more interesting. While many people drink it in the morning, many also prefer it at the night time. So, when is actually the right time to drink milk? Read on to know what Ayurveda has to say about it.

As per Ayurveda, the best time to consume milk for adults is before bedtime. As for kids, Ayurveda recommends an early morning dose of milk.

Drinking milk at night promotes ‘Ojas’. Ojas is referred to as a state in Ayurveda when you achieve proper digestion. Milk also induces sleep and helps in getting you a good slumber. Due to less activity, your body absorbs maximum calcium from the milk at night.

Milk is power packed with nutrients and is known to improve bone strength. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D and phosphorus. Drinking milk on a regular basis can not only boost your immunity but also keep problems like heartburn at bay.

While you can easily consume 2-3 cups of milk in a day, you must remember the fact that excess of everything is bad. If your milk is full cream, then resort to drinking 1-2 cups only as it might add to your weight. Low-fat milk can be consumed, but always in moderation. Make sure you aren’t lactose intolerant, as in that case, large quantities of milk can spell trouble.

As per Ayurvedic rules, mangoes, bananas, melons and other sour fruits should never be blended with milk or yoghurt. Such fruits when blended with milk can diminish gastric fire, resulting in toxins, causing sinus, cold, cough and allergies.

You can add some natural flavours, sweeteners and even turmeric to your milk. For kids who are fussy eaters, you can opt for chocolate powders for improving the taste of the milk.

Now that Ayurveda has recommended not to mix fruits and milk together, the question arises how to consume it in the right manner. Though both cold and hot milk provide nutrition to the body, the right way of having it depends on the time you are drinking it.

If you are drinking milk during the day, you can have it both hot or cold. If you are having it before bedtime, always ensure that you drink either lukewarm or warm milk. Cold milk at night can not only cause stomach troubles but might also interfere with sleeping patterns.