Milk
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| The Milkmaid, by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) |
If you have read my previous post about iced cold drinks, you will know that I am not going to recommend you get a glass of cold milk from the refrigerator. But what about milk in general for adults? Do we need it for strong bones or not? Here’s the Eastern perspective.
In TCM milk is considered a good source of animal protein for vegetarians and for those who have deficiencies in general. It builds qi, the blood and is cool and yin in property, sweet in taste. It is beneficial for people who are weak, thin, and have a dry condition. It is not recommended for those with mucous problems or poor digestion. Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest dairy foods, is common among Americans, especially those who are overweight and have lived on a diet dominant in meat, sugar, fat and dairy products. It is also prevalent in countries whose ancestors did not consume dairy foods, such as in the Asian population (80% are lactose intolerant). In other cases, an allergy to cow’s milk is most likely caused by its quality rather than the food itself. In the US and other parts of the West dairy cows are routinely given hormones and drugs. Milk that is pasteurized, homogenized and filled with chemicals is much more difficult to digest, even by those who generally have no other problems with their diet.
In contrast to the West, cows in India are treated by the Hindus with gentleness and respect. Milk is considerd to be a ”Sattvic” food which is pure, uncontaminated and freely given by a calm and content animal. Some yogis live on milk alone because it is the only food that is given with joy and for the nourishment of another. In contrast, the Masai ”warrior” tribe of Kenya survives almost entirely on milk. In general, in Ayurveda milk is considered beneficial for those with powerful digestion who need to retain the groundedness of animals and at the same time seek spiritual advancement. It is recommended as a good way to replenish energy after sex and for those who are thin and weak and in need of rest and sleep.
As milk is already cold in energy, it should not be served straight out of the refrigerator. Homogenized milk is not recommended because it changes the fat in the milk and makes it toxic and almost indigestible. Through the process of homogenization an enzyme is released into the bloodstream which would otherwise be naturally expelled from the body. This can lead to fatty deposits in the arteries. Goat’s milk, on the other hand, is already naturally homogenized and does not need any further treatment. It is more digestible than cow’s milk, and is considered to be a superior product in the West. It is more likely to be available raw and is a good choice for those who do need the nutrition of an animal product.
If you enjoy cow’s milk, then note the following rules:
- Drink raw organic milk if possible. If pasteurized, bring to a quick boil and then cool. This will help with its digestibility.
- Use it on its own. Milk is a complete food in itself. However, you can cook it with grains.
- Drink with spices. This helps make it more digestible and reduces mucus. Good spices to use are: saffron, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
- Do not drink more than one pint at a serving. Any more than this would be too heavy for the body to digest at one time.