Milk powder: health benefits and harms

Surely everyone who is at least a little interested in modern cooking has repeatedly heard about milk powder. This type of milk has been known since the beginning of the nineteenth century and is becoming more and more popular. This type of dairy products deservedly occupies a leading place in the lists of ingredients for the preparation of a wide variety of culinary masterpieces. Powdered milk is also widely used in various other areas of life, so it’s worthwhile to figure out why this interesting product attracts attention to itself.

How to get milk powder

The process of production of milk powder worked out to the smallest detail. The usual milk is taken, pasteurized and homogenized, then it is concentrated and dried in special drying devices. In this case, the operating temperature reaches up to 180 degrees Celsius. As a result of these manipulations, the same powder is obtained that is capable of dissolving in heated water without residue. The resulting drink has all the same characteristics as the usual cow's milk.

Upon completion of the drying step, the resulting powder is sieved and cooled at the end of the cycle. Typically, the shelf life of milk powder is much longer than normal. The safety of useful components is ensured by observing the production technology. It is also worth noting that the body is much easier to absorb milk powder compared to the traditional version.

Kinds

Currently, several types of milk powder are produced:

• whole;
• fat free;
• instant;
• for baby food.

What is the difference between milk powder and cream powder

As usual milk and cream differ from each other in nutritional properties and fat content, so dry versions of this product. Outwardly, it is difficult to distinguish them, so you should read the manufacturer's instructions on the label in detail. Cream is a more fatty and nutritious product.

Composition and calorie content

The nutritional value of powdered milk varies depending on the type of product. They have different quantitative nutrient content and uses. In stores, the most common are whole and nonfat types of milk. The proportion of fat in them ranges from 1.5% and can reach 25%.

The nutritional characteristics, depending on the type of milk, do not make much difference, the proportions of the presence of useful components differ, and the calorific value of these products varies significantly. In 100 g of whole powder, about 549 kcal, in a fat-free product - 373 kcal.

Comparing the non-fat version of the product with the whole one, we get the numbers at the output:

• fats - about 1 and up to 25%;
• proteins - 36 and 26%;
• moisture - 5 and 4%.

The following vitamins are present in 100 g of milk powder:

1. A - 0.0033 mg, is responsible for the normal functioning of the eyes and the renewal of the skin.
2. B1 (thiamine) - 0.047 mg, is required for the course of the carbohydrate metabolism process, relieves tension of the nervous system, and reduces tissue swelling.
3. B2 (riboflavin) - 2.2 mg, promotes the healing of damaged tissues, ensures the normal functioning of the visual system.
4. B4 (choline) - 23.5 mg, has a calming effect on the body, is involved in the metabolism of fats.
5. D - 0.56 mg, promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, indispensable for the formation of bones and teeth.
6. PP (nicotinic acid) - 5.1 mg, supports normal metabolism, is responsible for oxygen saturation of tissues.
7. E (tocopherol) - 3.32 mg, one of the most powerful antioxidants.
8. C (ascorbic acid) - up to 4 mg, has an antiviral effect, strengthens the body's defenses.
9. B12 - 0.42 mg, participates in the formation of blood cells, normalizes brain function.
10. B9 (folic acid) - 5 mcg, nerves are put in order, and reproductive function is established in women.

In milk powder, you can find all the essential amino acids. The mineral composition is also rich: most of all contains calcium (up to 1000 mg), a lot of potassium, sodium, phosphorus.

What is useful milk powder

The debate about the dangers and benefits of milk has been going on far from the first year, and scientists around the world cannot reach a consensus on this matter. No one will deny that milk is a real storehouse of nutrients. But any medal has two sides.

Thanks to studies of recent decades, it is reliably known that with age a person gradually loses the ability to properly absorb lactose. There is a version that milk will benefit only until the age of thirty. The older we get, the more difficult it is for the body to cope with the lactose that comes with milk. Therefore, doctors do not recommend getting involved in this product and carefully monitor the reaction of the digestive system to the reception of dairy products.

Due to the contradictory nature of the properties, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the usefulness of milk powder for different categories of the population.

For women

1. Thanks to the many components that are part of the beneficial components, milk helps to maintain healthy teeth, hair and skin for a long time. But what if not attractiveness is one of the main life goals for any woman?
2. The high calcium content in milk in adulthood helps the female body maintain bone strength and properly absorb vitamin D, thereby preventing the occurrence of osteoporosis.
3. A low-fat product will help fight weight gain. It is well absorbed by the body, does not add extra calories to the diet and helps a lot in carbohydrate metabolism.
4. The B vitamins in milk powder relax and calm the nervous system, and this is an important moment for the emotional part of humanity.
5. With moderate use and in the absence of side effects, milk powder has a positive effect on the functioning of the entire digestive system. But the health of this body system is the key to a good mood and attractiveness in general.
6. Do not forget about the benefits of milk powder in solving problems of the circulatory system. Vitamin B12 in the composition successfully helps get rid of the symptoms of anemia.
7. Powdered milk as an affordable and useful component is often used in cosmetology.

For men

1. A large amount of protein in the composition contributes to the rapid growth of muscle mass, which will be a huge plus for any athlete. Two glasses of this drink per day fully provide the daily protein intake.
2. Carbohydrates in any milk help the body recover in a short time after a workout and create an attractive muscle relief.
3. Due to the large number of various amino acids and other beneficial substances, milk powder improves sperm quality and potency. In particular, selenium found in milk increases sperm motility and prolongs their life cycle.
4. Potassium strengthens the walls of blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, which in combination improves blood flow in the pelvic organs and as a result increases erection and potency, as well as improves the male body as a whole.

For pregnant

Throughout pregnancy, expectant mothers are allowed to drink milk powder every day, because the composition contains a lot of calcium, which is so necessary for the formation of the skeleton of a child.You should not get carried away with powdered milk, 800 ml per day will be quite enough. A useful recommendation - diluted powder is undesirable to use together with other food products.

When purchasing milk powder in a retail network, it will be useful for pregnant women to carefully study the information on the package and make sure that there are no undesirable impurities in the composition.

When breastfeeding

Each young mother at the beginning of the period of breastfeeding asks herself the question: how to make a diet without harm for the little man and with maximum benefit for her health.

During lactation, milk powder can be consumed, there are no prohibitions. It should be gradually introduced into the usual diet and carefully monitor the baby’s reaction to this product. If a child develops allergic reactions, such as skin redness, rash, bloating, milk should be completely excluded.

Before introducing powdered milk into the diet for the sample, you need to drink a small amount of milk diluted from the milk powder, not more than a glass. If over the next day the child did not have any undesirable manifestations, then the amount of milk consumed can be safely increased.

The benefits of milk powder are undeniable for nutrition during lactation for the simple reason that very often the powder for dilution is additionally enriched with useful substances. Therefore, in the absence of side effects, this product can become a permanent item on the menu of a young mother.

For kids

Powdered milk in its structure and nutrition is very similar to mother's milk. The undeniable advantage of the powder product is that its production process is fully automated in the same way as in the manufacture of dry milk mixtures, which completely eliminates the entry of pathogenic bacteria. Due to the small amount of moisture in milk powder, it can be stored for quite a long time.

Another significant plus of dry infant formula and milk is the ability to prepare fresh nutrition for the child at any time. With the artificial method of feeding, these properties of milk powder make it an indispensable option on trips and trips or for any other reason when there is no fresh product at hand.

Real breast milk cannot be completely replaced. But in some cases, dry will be a worthy alternative in the diet of feeding a child. Often, in order to enrich powdered milk with vitamins and minerals, various juices and purees are added to the menu, after coordinating the dosage with the pediatrician.

Powdered milk is allowed to be introduced into the children's diet at the age of not earlier than eight months. You need to start with a low-fat product, because the child’s body does not cope with fats.

When preparing baby food based on milk powder, you should strictly adhere to the instructions on the packaging and be sure to check the expiration date. It is also worth paying attention to the integrity of the package and each time after use, tightly close the remaining powder to prevent excess moisture and odors from getting there.

Opened packaging can be stored for up to two weeks in a dry, darkened place.

For athletes

Any athlete knows that in order to quickly gain muscle mass and achieve the desired heights in the chosen sport, the body needs a certain set of nutrients, the main one of which is protein. To maintain an optimal protein level, athletes regularly resort to the use of various nutritional concentrates, which include milk powder.

In powdered milk, athletes primarily value its bioavailability and digestibility. This product contains an impressive list of useful substances, among which all the necessary amino acids, which allows you to gain weight in a short time and maintain the result at the proper level.Most protein compounds are synthesized by the body itself, however, a number of amino acids come only from food, in particular from milk powder.

Powdered milk does not require serious financial investments, is commercially available and does not require special conditions for use in a home environment. The B vitamins contained in it completely cover the daily requirement of the body, and the high calcium content makes milk the leading product in this category.

It is important to note that in milk powder there is almost no the most harmful oxidized cholesterol, which has an extremely negative effect on the entire cardiovascular system. And if the heart is in order, then the blood circulates properly, therefore, intensive training will not harm health.

Some of the disadvantages of powdered milk as a sports nutrition include a low proportion of proteins in the overall classification and the presence of lactose, a component that often causes allergies. Therefore, milk powder is used as an additional source of protein for quick weight gain before the upcoming competitions. Drink dissolved milk three times a day between main meals. Sleeping at bedtime is undesirable, since in this case, the fats contained in milk powder prevent the achievement of the desired muscle relief.

As a quick recovery therapy after intensive training, experienced trainers recommend drinking a portion of the prepared drink to instantly saturate the body with useful substances.

Powdered milk as a means to build muscle can be added to protein shakes, and you should follow the dosages and recommendations of the trainer. The recommended norm for men is 2–2.5 servings per day, for girls - 1–1.5. For one serving, it is considered to be 100 g of powder. If whole milk is used, then the given portion should be divided in half. Each serving of powdered milk contains from 6 to 8 tablespoons of sugar, which should be taken into account when controlling the collection of excess fat.

When losing weight

More than half the percentage of skimmed milk powder is in carbohydrates. But those who follow the figure should not be afraid of this. Most of them are lactose, which will not add extra pounds. Also, in a diluted state there will be much less calories than in a powder.

To a large extent, due to its rich composition, milk powder will be able to replenish the supply of necessary nutrients during the diet, when many products are simply prohibited.

Powdered milk will help out during the fasting days when the unacceptably high consumption of fats is unacceptable, it can be used to prepare various dietary dishes - cereals, crusts or sauces. In addition to all of the above, powdered milk will save the family budget, since a pack of dried powder is enough for a long diet.

The reconstituted milk powder is quickly absorbed by the body, while the areas responsible for rest and relaxation are activated in the human brain. This helps to distract from obsessive thoughts about an extra snack and makes you forget about the feeling of hunger.

As a light healthy snack, a smoothie with milk powder is perfect. This simple dish is quick and easy to prepare. You will need any berries, apples or bananas and a glass of milk powder. All ingredients must be mixed in a mixer, the resulting mixture can replace dinner without harming the figure. This smoothie is great as a supplement before and after exercising in the gym. The resulting dessert will become a serious source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium and other beneficial elements.

An excellent nutritious breakfast can be milk powder omelet.Lubricate the pan with vegetable oil without forming excess. Blot excess oil with a paper towel or a piece of bread. To make an omelet, beat two eggs with your favorite spices, add half a glass of diluted milk and chopped greens. Pour the resulting mixture only into a well-heated pan, then cover with a lid and leave for a couple of minutes. Instead of greens, you can add small pieces of vegetables to the omelet, eggplants, tomatoes or zucchini are suitable.

Powdered milk in medicine

Milk powder has found its application in some branches of medicine. The powder is effective enough to treat various diseases of the digestive system, it helps with kidney pathologies. This is a proven tool for years and at the present time does not lose its relevance.

With diabetes

Patients with diabetes are allowed to use this product in an amount not exceeding 500 ml per day. Thanks to calcium, which is part of the composition, he maintains the necessary level of this microelement in such a disease, envelops the walls of the stomach and, as a whole, normalizes intestinal function. All this in a complex inhibits the occurrence of possible complications of this serious disease.

Important: the glycemic index of milk powder is 45 units.

With pancreatitis

If the disease develops in the acute phase, then the use of any milk is strictly prohibited. During a period of persistent remission, skimmed milk powder is allowed, but not in pure form, but as the basis for dietary cereals, scrambled eggs or casseroles. The total fat content in cooked dishes should not exceed 1.5%.

With gastritis and stomach ulcer

It is immediately worth noting that with reduced acidity of the stomach, this product will have to be completely abandoned. If the acidity is increased, then any type of milk powder is suitable. Thanks to the beneficial properties of this product, inflammation and stomach irritation symptoms are relieved, and the effect of enveloping the walls improves overall well-being.

For heartburn

The same recommendations remain as in the treatment of gastritis. Be sure to consider what type of gastric secretion is present. Calcium, which is part of milk (and in rather large quantities), helps to quickly and gently relieve burning sensation and eliminate all the unpleasant symptoms associated with mucosal irritation. Drinking diluted milk is recommended slowly in small sips. As a rule, a glass is enough to relieve pain.

With kidney disease

The most important contraindication is the presence of kidney stones. In the case of other renal disorders, milk powder will be an extremely useful product. Reconstituted milk is at the same time an effective diuretic and an excellent way to restore the reserves of beneficial minerals. Doctors recommend that patients use a low-fat version of the product.

Powdered milk in cosmetology

This unique product does not go unnoticed among those who regularly monitor their external attractiveness. In cosmetology, milk powder is valued for its rich chemical composition, for ease of use and storage, as well as for economic affordability. Very often, this powder is used to care for face and body skin and hair.

For teeth

Pour milk powder into a dry clean container. Moisten a toothbrush in water, shake off excess moisture.Collect enough powder on the brush and brush your teeth in exactly the same way as regular toothpaste. In order not to harm tooth enamel, the duration of the procedure should not exceed five minutes. After the procedure, rinse the mouth thoroughly with water. Repeating this cleaning is enough 1-2 times a week.

To take a bath

Pre-dilute the powder in boiling water until smooth, with no grains remaining. Add dissolved milk to water, to enhance the effect of the skin before taking such a bath, treat with a scrub. It will not be superfluous to enrich the milk mixture with decoctions of medicinal plants. Calendula and chamomile, as well as various essential oils, work well.

For face

Most often, masks are used that are aimed at eliminating a variety of dermatological problems. The nutritional value of milk powder makes it a favorite component of homemade cosmetics among owners of dry skin type.

The following masks are notable for their effectiveness:

1. Nutritious. To prepare it, mix half a teaspoon of liquid honey with the yolk of one egg, add a tablespoon of undiluted powder to the mixture. Mix the ingredients until smooth and spread the mask over the cleansed face skin. After 15 minutes, rinse the mask thoroughly. You need to use it 2-3 times a week. After such procedures, dry skin will noticeably moisturize, various irritations of the epidermis will disappear.
2. Lifting effect for narrowing pores. Mix two tablespoons of milk powder and 6 drops of natural apple cider vinegar, bring the mixture to a thick sour cream. Leave the mask on your face for 25 minutes. With regular use of this mask, pores narrow, small wrinkles become less noticeable, and the likelihood of acne is reduced.
3. Vitamin. Take one tablespoon of dried apricots and powdered milk powder, grind them in a blender and add a small amount of water to the mixture to achieve the optimal consistency. The mask should be applied to the face immediately after preparation and left for 15-20 minutes. Suitable for any skin type.
4. Cleansing. Mix one tablespoon of oatmeal and milk powder. Dilute the mass with clean water to a thick sour cream, after 15 minutes rinse with cold water. Suitable for all skin types.
5. Against peeling. Prepared flax seeds will be required. To do this, grind a tablespoon of raw materials in a coffee grinder to a flour state, then mix with two teaspoons of milk powder and one teaspoon of liquid honey. Add a small amount of clean water, stir until sour cream. The mixture is applied to cleansed skin for 15 minutes.

For hair

Milk powder is also useful for different types of hair. The powder in combination with other ingredients in cosmetic masks adapts to a specific hair problem and has a quick cumulative effect with minimal financial investment.

The following options for the use of milk powder at home have received many positive reviews:

1. Mask for oily hair. Dilute fat-free powder with water until the jelly is thick and gently rub into the scalp. Wrap the top with cling film and cover with a towel. Keep the mask for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. This procedure is recommended 2 times a week for three months. The result will be healthy, strong hair with a silky sheen.
2. For split ends. Take from 8 to 10 tablespoons of milk powder and mix with a teaspoon of warmed burdock oil, add the yolks of three chicken eggs to the mixture. Mix the ingredients, you can add a little water to reduce the density of the mixture.Apply the resulting composition to the entire length of the hair, keep at least 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and shampoo, it is enough to apply once a week.

Harm and contraindications

As with any food product or cosmetic product, milk powder also has a number of side effects and prohibitions in use. If the powder is produced in compliance with established production standards, then the risks of undesirable manifestations are minimized.

The absolute contraindications include the following:

• congenital lactose intolerance;
• excess weight;
• the presence in the joints of a high content of calcium salts;
• atherosclerotic plaques;
• high cholesterol in the body;
• the presence of kidney stones.

And, also, the reduced acidity of the gastric juice, in this case, the ingestion of milk powder inside should in no case exceed 3-4 times a week.

If you approach rationally the use of this interesting product and do not exceed the recommended norms, then there will be no harm to human health. First of all, at risk are overweight individuals with a tendency to allergic reactions. You should also be careful in drawing up the diet to all those who have the above contraindications.

How to choose and store milk powder

When choosing milk powder, you must carefully read the composition on the package. A good quality product will not contain anything but milk. In no case should additives be added to the list of ingredients that extend the shelf life. Particular attention should be paid to the integrity of the packaging.

After opening the pack, its contents may be cream or white. The inhomogeneity of the powder particles is not allowed, they should not have any differences in shape or shade. The milk made according to GOST does not have lumps.

Dry milk should be stored in a dark place at a temperature of no more than 10 ° C and humidity up to 85%. After opening the packaging, the product is stored in a cool room in a tightly closed glass container. The expiration dates indicated on the manufacturer's packaging must be strictly observed.

How to breed milk powder: proportions

For breeding milk powder, you should adhere to a certain scheme and know the subtleties of this process. Typically, the factory packaging provides a brief 1: 3 instruction. To get a really tasty product, there are a number of nuances.

A few important rules:

1. To get 1 liter of fat milk (more than 3%), you need 8 teaspoons of powder, 2.5% fat - 6.
2. Before dilution, heat the water to a temperature of 60 ° C.
3. Prepare the required amount of powder and pour it into a clean container with high walls.
4. Slowly pour the water into powder to prevent the formation of lumps.
5. Stir the mixture continuously until a homogeneous mass is formed.
6. Let the resulting drink brew for about 10 minutes.

Is it possible to eat with spoons

Nothing terrible will happen, just plain undiluted milk powder is quite difficult to swallow. To make this process more comfortable, you can drink the powder with juice or tea. Of the possible negative consequences of such use is a short-term upset stomach. If you eat no more than 8 tablespoons of milk powder during the day, then such troubles are unlikely to happen.

Is it possible to boil

Milk recovered from the powder cannot be boiled for the simple reason that even at the time of its production in the factory, all undesirable bacteria die. The stages of drying and thickening require sufficiently high temperatures at which no pathogen can survive.

What can be prepared from milk powder: recipes

Powdered milk found its greatest use among lovers of cooking in various food industries.This is not surprising, because such milk is stored for a long time, does not require special storage conditions, it is easy to use in the preparation of a variety of dishes.

Fritters

For cooking, you will need one chicken egg, 1.5 cups of wheat flour (must be of the highest grade), 2 tablespoons of sugar, vegetable oil and milk powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 130 ml of water and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Mix all the ingredients in a deep bowl, pre-sift the flour and pour out only half first, pour in milk powder and baking powder. Add salt, sugar, mix everything with a dry spoon. Pour in pre-warmed water, bring to uniformity, leave covered with a napkin for 20 minutes. Then beat the egg into the resulting dough, you can beat it for easier stirring. Add vegetable oil, mix again. Pour the remaining flour, eventually get the dough (as thick as sour cream). Fry the pancakes in a well-heated pan in vegetable oil.

Pancakes

You will need the following ingredients: 5 tablespoons of dry powder, 3 cups of water, 2 eggs, 2 cups of premium flour, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add sugar and salt to dissolved milk, pour in beaten eggs. The resulting liquid mixture is slowly introduced into the flour, carefully knead all the lumps, add oil. Bake pancakes in a hot pan.

Condensed milk

Only three components are needed: 200 ml of liquid milk, 180 g of sugar and 100 g of milk powder. Mix milk powder and sugar, stirring constantly, add liquid milk and make sure that no lumps form. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil over low heat and stir constantly. Cooking time - 10 minutes.

Cottage cheese

Restore 500 g of dry powder in 3 l of heated water and bring to a boil, pour 6 tablespoons of vinegar. Boil for three minutes over low heat, then strain the resulting mixture through a sieve and squeeze the whey completely. Transfer the finished curd to a clean container.

Cheese

It will take 1 kg of milk powder, 1.5 l of water, 150 g of sour cream, 6 pieces of rennet tablets, half a teaspoon of vinegar, salt. Mix the diluted milk powder with sour cream, add to the dissolved tablets, pour vinegar. Wrap the container, keep in a warm place for at least 12 hours. Cover the feta cheese with oppression for at least 7 hours.

How to replace milk powder in a recipe

Depending on the formulation, the dried powder can be replaced with cow's milk or dried cream. Sometimes, as an alternative, infant formula, sour cream or kefir are used. In each case, you must carefully read the recipe.

Can milk powder be fasted

Believers are forbidden to consume milk powder on fasting days because it is still of animal origin.

Is it possible to give animals milk powder

Any pets are allowed to add milk powder to the diet. If you adhere to the recommendations of the veterinarian and comply with the established standards, then there will be no harm from this product. By its nutritional qualities, milk powder leaves many special vitamin supplements far behind, and does not require significant expenses on the part of the owner.

Powdered milk is allowed both among cattle and among domestic cats and dogs.

Interesting facts about milk powder

1. This product, as you know, was mentioned in the scientific works of I. Roerich back in 1792 in the "Works of the Free Economic Society." They noted that the indigenous inhabitants of the eastern regions froze the usual cow's milk and received the so-called “lumps of milk”, the prototype of modern milk powder.
2. The industrial production of milk powder began at the end of the 19th century for the needs of the army. The soldiers did not have constant access to fresh cow's milk, so there was an urgent need to solve this problem.
3. Low fat powder is harder to breed than regular.
4. Powdered milk will dissolve better if you mix skim and whole form at the same time.

Photo of milk powder