Author: Faheema Mahomed Ali
Date: 08 October 2022
he Messenger of Allah ﷺ said; “Whoever is given milk to drink, let him say, “Oh Allah bless it for us, and give us more of it” (Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah). It has also been narrated that milk was one of the beverages the Prophetﷺ liked drinking.
The consumption of milk, specifically cow’s milk, provides the body with essential minerals and vitamins. These minerals and vitamins have roles in promoting growth and development, and maintaining physical well-being. The consumption of milk is important in bone mass formation and the maintenance of bone density. It is thus important in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Milk contains high quality proteins such as whey protein and caseins, which provide the essential amino acids needed for optimal functioning of the human body. The amino acids found in whey protein and casein play vital physiological roles such as the transport of minerals like calcium and iron. They also support iron absorption and serve as antioxidants thereby protecting the body from free radicals.
Recently, cow’s milk has a bad reputation due to the increase in the numbers of those suffering with lactose intolerance. Lactose is one of the main carbohydrates found in milk and the inability to absorb it causes moderate to severe gastrointestinal complaints. Other animal milk like goat’s milk, which was much loved by the Messenger of Allahﷺ contains considerably less lactose and is well tolerated and has the same beneficial components of cow’s milk.
There is also a concern that drinking milk, which has a high saturated fatty acid content, may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, research has shown that the saturated fatty acids found in milk does not increase total cholesterol or LDL levels (“bad cholesterol) and may in fact increase HDL levels (“good cholesterol”), thus providing cardiovascular protection. It is also hypothesised that the micronutrients found in milk and the peptides produced during the digestion of milk, both prevent the development of high blood pressure.