New Delhi, February 23 (IANS). A trend that is very common with increasing age is that people avoid exercise, become careless in eating and drinking, and gradually become helpless due to weakening of bones. But a research also gives them instructions and advice to improve it. Chinese scientists have found that a simple habit of drinking milk after a workout can help protect bones later on.
Studies show that drinking milk along with exercise may reduce the risk of life-threatening fractures in the elderly.
The results were published in the ‘Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging’, where researchers investigated whether consuming protein after exercise could benefit the bones of older people.
Scientists found that protein plays an important role in bone strength. It increases calcium absorption. A mineral that is essential for keeping bones strong and can reduce the risk of fractures when falling in old age.
Both cow’s milk and soy milk were recognized as easy and effective sources of protein.
The study included 82 healthy adults aged 60 years and above. All participants did not suffer from any health conditions that could affect protein intake or bone metabolism.
They did eight weeks of continuous exercise, which included three-week sessions of resistance and balance training.
The people participating in it were divided into four groups. One group included only those who exercised, and two groups included those who either drank cow’s milk or soy milk after exercise.
Those in the cow’s milk group drank 240 ml of low-fat milk an hour after finishing their workout. Those in the soy milk group were given a slightly smaller amount of milk to ensure that both groups consumed approximately 7 to 8 grams of protein per session.
To maintain a balance between protein and carbohydrates, both milk groups also consumed 60 grams of boiled sweet potatoes after each training session. This continued throughout the eight-week programme.
After eight weeks, the greatest effect was seen in those who drank cow’s milk after exercise. Not only did he appear more agile and active, the strength of his bones also increased.
On this basis, it was concluded that drinking milk along with more exercise can be an effective way to prevent bone weakness in older people and reduce the risk of fractures.
–IANS
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