Can you still enjoy milkshakes, Dalgona coffee and creamy pasta if you are lactose-intolerant?
Yes, with the new Magnolia Plus Lactose Free Milk, an easy-to-digest alternative that provides the goodness of regular milk. Brought to you by Magnolia.
Enjoy a glass of Dalgona coffee without experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. Photo: Shutterstock
There is nothing more comforting than a glass of milk with some cookies, a frothy milkshake or homemade Dalgona coffee (whipped coffee).Â
But if you have lactose intolerance, consuming these delicious milky treats might be far from comforting. In fact, they are likely to trigger unpleasant digestive upsets. Â
Believed to affect approximately 90 per cent of Asians in varying degrees, this digestive condition is caused by an inability to properly digest lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy. It occurs when the body does not make sufficient lactase, an enzyme that is needed to break down lactose.Â
While genes may be the reason why certain people cannot stomach milk and dairy products, other factors can also play a role, such as infections, surgery or injury affecting the small intestine. Ageing can also make some people more sensitive to gut disturbances when they consume dairy.Â
WHAT DOES LACTOSE INTOLERANCE FEEL LIKE?
The symptoms of lactose intolerance vary with each individual and may include bloating, gassiness, cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. The severity of symptoms also depends on the amount of dairy consumed.Â
As the signs of lactose intolerance may appear similar to those of milk allergy and other digestive disorders, it is best to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis.Â
It is important to note that lactose intolerance is not the same as dairy allergy, which occurs due to the body’s abnormal response to milk proteins and which can lead to serious reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Â
There is currently no cure for lactose intolerance, but does this mean that milk is off the table? Fortunately, there are still ways for people with lactose intolerance to enjoy milk without having to suffer a host of digestive woes.
A LACTOSE-FREE ALTERNATIVEÂ
Lactose-free milk, such as the new Magnolia Plus Lactose Free Milk, is a good alternative to regular milk for those who have trouble tolerating lactose or are looking for an easy-to-digest beverage.Â
Lactose-free milk is made by adding lactase enzymes to cow’s milk, so that the naturally-occurring lactose in milk is broken down into simple sugars, making it easier to digest. This allows people to enjoy the benefits of regular milk without experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.Â
A common misconception is that lactose-free milk is not as nutritious as regular milk, when in fact, it is also a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals.Â
For example, each 250ml glass of Magnolia Plus Lactose Free Milk is made from fresh milk and does not contain added flavouring and sugar. Each serving contains 9g of protein and 325mg of calcium. It is also a good source of Vitamins B2 and B12, as well as Vitamin D3, which aids in the absorption of calcium.Â
WHY MILK IS GOOD FOR YOU
Besides bone-building benefits, milk contains other nutrients that form the building blocks of good health.Â
For example, protein in milk is necessary to build lean muscle mass as well as build and repair tissues. The B vitamins it contains affect energy levels and help maintain healthy cells and the nervous system.Â
Research also suggests that drinking milk may protect one against certain chronic diseases. In a review of studies on milk and dairy products, published in the Food and Nutrition Research in 2016, dairy intake is linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.Â
In a separate local study by the National University of Singapore, published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2017, adults who drink milk regularly (at least one glass of cow’s milk every day) were found to have a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension than those who do not drink milk at all. Â
GET CREATIVE WITH MAGNOLIA PLUS LACTOSE FREE MILK
If you have been avoiding milk and other dairy products due to lactose intolerance, now’s the time to get creative with Magnolia Plus Lactose Free Milk.Â
Made from full cream fresh milk, this creamy milk can be easily incorporated into your usual home recipes in place of regular cow’s milk. Think milkshakes, cakes, smoothies, homemade bubble tea and Instagram-worthy Dalgona coffee.Â
Magnolia Plus Lactose Free Milk also goes perfectly well with breakfast cereals or as a cookie-and-milk midnight snack. In addition, you can use it in soups, stews, pasta and sauces.Â
Grab a pack of Magnolia Plus Lactose Free Milk at the recommended selling price of S$4.50 (946ml pack) at major supermarkets. For more home recipe ideas and inspiration, visit https://www.magnolia.com.sg/products/fresh-milk/lactose-free-milk and facebook.com/magnoliasg/.
