Is it safe to consume milk and honey? – Times of India

Whether you are trying to accentuate the taste of milk or preparing healthy desserts, combining milk and honey is an age old practice. But is this combination good for health? Here’s an insight on this food combination and is it good for bad? Read on to find out…
Milk and honey
Milk and honey is a potent combination, which is used for its umpteen health benefits.Right from home remedies to cooking or baking milk, honey is extensively used in day to day life. But this comforting combination has a fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of mixing honey with milk.

Pros
Nutrient rich
Milk and honey together make for a healthy combination. Milk is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. On the other hand, honey contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Taste
This is a go to combination for people who love the sweet taste of honey. The rich sweet taste makes the experience better and is also consumed as a healthier choice over refined sugar.
Health Benefits
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that the combination of milk and honey may have certain health benefits, such as aiding in sleep and promoting digestion. Honey is also believed to have antimicrobial properties.

Comforting drink
Warm milk with honey is often consumed as a bedtime drink and is thought to have soothing and calming properties, which can be helpful for relaxation.
Traditional remedies
In various cultures, milk, honey and spices are combined together and used to heal pain and other ailments like sore throats, coughs, and colds.
Cons:
Caloric Content
There’s no denying that milk and honey both contain calories and taste brilliant together. But consuming this blend can also increase calorie intake and lead to weight gain.
Sugar
Honey is a natural sweetener, and while it does have potential health benefits, it is still a source of sugar. Excessive sugar consumption can have negative health effects, including dental issues and sudden blood sugar spikes.
Allergies
This combination of milk and honey may trigger food allergies for some people. Thus, it is important to be mindful about this food pairing.

Lactose Intolerance
For people suffering with lactose intolerance the combination of honey and milk may trigger indigestion and discomfort. Thus, it is better to opt for vegan milk and honey, if someone is lactose intolerant.
Potential for contaminants
The quality of honey may vary and in some cases, honey may be extracted unhygienically or may be adulterated or contaminated, which when combined with milk may have harmful effects on health and digestion.
Not for infants
Honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of botulism. Their digestive systems are not fully developed, and honey may contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which may be harmful for the newly born.