Milk has been a staple food for centuries, providing essential nutrients and fueling our bodies. However, in recent years, it has become a controversial topic, with many people questioning its health benefits and even labeling it as harmful. But is milk really the issue, or is it our digestion, lifestyle, and sourcing that are to blame?
To shed light on this topic, we spoke to an expert, Dr. Ramesh Chandra, a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner and yogi. According to him, milk is a saatvik food, meaning it is pure, nourishing, and promotes positive energy. It is a complete food for yogis, providing all the necessary nutrients for a healthy body and mind. However, the way we consume milk and the source of our milk can have a significant impact on its benefits.
One of the main issues with milk is our digestion. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we often eat on the go, multitask while eating, or eat in a stressed state. All of these factors hinder our digestion, making it difficult for our bodies to absorb the nutrients from milk. Dr. Chandra explains, “In Ayurveda, it is said that it is not what we eat, but what we digest that matters. Our digestion is like a fire, and if we don’t tend to it properly, it will not burn efficiently, leading to various health issues.”
To improve our digestion, Dr. Chandra suggests following Ayurvedic principles, such as eating in a calm and peaceful environment, chewing our food thoroughly, and avoiding eating while distracted. He also recommends adding spices like ginger, turmeric, and cumin to milk to aid in digestion. These spices not only improve digestion but also enhance the taste and medicinal properties of milk.
Another crucial factor to consider is our lifestyle. In today’s modern world, we are constantly exposed to stress, pollution, and unhealthy habits, which can disrupt the balance of our bodies. This imbalance can affect our digestion and make us more susceptible to health issues. Dr. Chandra emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, saying, “Yogis have always stressed the importance of a simple and balanced lifestyle. It is essential to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being to maintain a healthy body and mind.”
Incorporating yoga, meditation, and other mindful practices into our daily routine can help us reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle. These practices also improve our digestion, making it easier for our bodies to absorb the nutrients from milk.
Finally, the source of our milk plays a crucial role in its benefits. In today’s industrialized dairy industry, cows are often raised in unhealthy and stressful conditions, fed with hormones and antibiotics, and milked multiple times a day. This not only affects the quality of milk but also the well-being of the cows. Dr. Chandra explains, “In Ayurveda, cows are considered sacred and are treated with utmost care and respect. The milk from such cows is pure and nourishing, and it is believed to have a positive impact on our health and well-being.”
He suggests sourcing milk from local, organic farms, where cows are raised in a natural and stress-free environment. This not only supports ethical and sustainable farming practices but also ensures that we are consuming pure and nutritious milk.
In conclusion, milk is not the issue, but our digestion, lifestyle, and sourcing are. By following Ayurvedic principles, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and sourcing milk from ethical and organic farms, we can reap the benefits of this saatvik food. As yogis, it is our responsibility to take care of our bodies and minds, and milk can play a significant role in achieving that balance. Let us embrace milk as a complete food for yogis and make mindful choices to ensure its benefits for ourselves and the environment.
