A smoothie on breakfast, a speed in speed or just a drink to accompany a meal … What if this daily drink was actually the most moisturizing? According to a study, it would even be more effective than water to maintain good hydration. It is a team from the University of St. Andrew’s, in Scotland, which highlighted this amazing phenomenon. To test the actual hydration provided by different drinks, the researchers brought together 72 volunteer men and made them consume no less than 13 various drinks: flat water, fruit juices, sodas, beer, whole milk, skim milk … Their objective: measure the volume of urine produced in the hours following consumption, and thus assess how much liquid was really retained by the body.
An ordinary drink … to the unexpected effect
The verdict of this experience is clear: milk, whether whole or skimmed, ranks in the top 4 of the most moisturizing drinks. It is even above the water, alongside orange juice and an oral rehydration solution.
For what ? First of all because milk naturally contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium or calcium. These minerals play a key role in water retention and the balance of body fluids. Then, its protein and fat content slows down gastric emptying: the liquid remains longer in the body, ensuring more stable hydration over time.
Water is absorbed very quickly … but it is just as quickly evacuated. Milk, in a way, plays the card of water endurance.
Should we replace water with milk?
On a strictly biological level, the study opens an interesting track. But it is not an absolute truth. On the one hand, the panel is limited. On the other hand, milk, even hydrating, is not unanimous in nutrition specialists.
Alexandra Murcier, dietitian-nutritionist, calls for caution: “To my knowledge, there is no serious study which shows that milk would hydrate better than water. The only drink essential to our body is water“.
“”Milk contains carbohydrates, which will vary your blood sugar if you consume throughout the day, which can contribute to a long -term gain in the long term“, She adds.
Another limit: digestion of lactose. “”Many adults lose the enzyme (lactase) which allows the digestion of sugar present in milk. Drinking too much milk in adulthood can cause digestive problems: bloating, flatulence, or even diarrhea“Finally, milk can promote chronic inflammatory terrain.”Consumed in too large quantities, it will cause chronic inflammation of our body which can increase the risk of health problems“.
In summary, if milk turns out to be more moisturizing than water from a physiological point of view, there is nevertheless a drink to consume in moderation. The body needs water, no substitutes. And hydration is not just about drinking, but a global balance: food, physical activity, environment, digestive health.