Do you love spicy food? If yes, you may need something to reduce the burn. The burning sensation is from the ingredient called capsaicin. It is a chemical irritant in different chili peppers. While eating your favorite spicy foods, you can quell the fiery feeling with milk. It is also known as a healthy drink for both children and adults.
Milk is considered one of the best drinks to help with the spicy taste. Milk has a protein known as casein that can break down capsaicin. To help you, the following are the 8 best milk to eat after eating spicy food.
1. Whole milk
Some said that whole milk is more effective than skim milk when it comes to spicy foods. It is 3.25% milk fat by weight. An eight-ounce glass of whole milk has 150 calories and 8 grams of fat. Luckily, whole milk has some health benefits. It is said that milk has an essential role in a healthy diet. So, if you’re health-conscious, whole milk can be an excellent addition to your diet.
Most individuals don’t drink whole milk since they believe that the extra calories and fat can make them gain weight. On the other hand, some studies revealed that taking high-fat dairy products can support weight management.
Whole milk can be associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and infertility. Whole milk is cow’s milk that doesn’t undergo nutritional alteration.
It is processed for food safety. Milk is rich in calcium and protein. Additionally, it also has the creamiest and richest taste compared to other milk types.
2. Skimmed milk
Skimmed milk is another milk to soothe the burning sensation after consuming a spicy meal. The casein it contains can dull the pain brought about by the capsaicin from chili peppers. Skimmed milk doesn’t contain fat. It contains protein which is good for your health. It contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins and has fewer calories.
However, some said that skimmed milk is tasteless and watery. But some choose it because of its health benefits. It is rich in calcium, promoting healthy teeth, bones, and blood flow. You don’t need to worry because it is not harmful to your health. Moreover, it can be the best partner to reduce the pain caused by your spicy dish.
3. Oat milk
Oat milk is water and rolled oats blended and strained to leave the pulp behind. You can use gluten-free oat milk. Meanwhile, oat milk lasts only 5 days when sealed in the refrigerator. So, you should consume it immediately. Aside from being a good pair with spicy food, oat milk can be healthy for you.
Oat milk is rich in plant-based protein, B vitamins, fiber, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It can also help to lower the risk of heart disease since it contains beta-glucan, which improves cholesterol levels. Consuming foods with beta-glucan can help enhance gut and immune health.
If you are lactose intolerant, oat milk can be an excellent alternative to cow’s milk. It can lower the symptoms of diarrhea, bloating, gas, and constipation.
4. Almond milk
You can also use almond milk with spicy food. It has fat that can neutralize capsaicin, the molecule that brings a burning sensation from spicy foods. Almond milk can dissolve capsaicin and lower its heat. This milk has lower fat than regular milk.
As nutritious plant-based milk, almond milk is famous for vegans, those who have a low-calorie diet, and those with lactose intolerance. It is flavorful and high in vitamins and proteins. I suggest you consume cold almond milk to cool down your burning mouth. Taste receptors flare while in contact with hot temperature.
Almond milk is a mixture of water and ground almonds. Processed almond milk also has vitamin D, calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin E. It may also contain preservatives, flavorings, and thickeners to enhance its texture, shelf life, and taste.
5. Organic milk
Not all milks are the same. Organic milk can provide you the nutritional benefits without chemical contaminants. According to studies, organic milk has higher nutritional content, disease-fighting antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids than non-organic milk. This milk can help to reduce the burning sensation of spicy foods.
Organic milk can help with skin allergies, cognitive performance, and development and is free from GMOs. The omega-3 found in organic milk can help to protect you from different illnesses and lower the risk of inflammation, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. The milk is also high in concentration antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein, that is essential for eye health.
6. Lactose-free milk
Lactose-free milk can also help with spicy food. It has a similar texture, taste, and nutrients to regular milk. The milk has essential micro-nutrients, including phosphorus, calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.
The lactose-free milk is cow’s milk. It is ideal for those who are lactose intolerant. The milk also has vitamin D and protein. It also aids digestion and is suitable for heart health. Lactose-free milk is good for the bones since it contains vitamin D and calcium. The minerals it contains can help you reduce blood pressure.
Lactose-free milk also contains potassium that balances sodium levels. A cup of this milk comes with 8 grams of protein that offer essential amino acids needed to make your body function. If you want sweeter milk, the taste of lactose-free milk can be the best option.
The lactose in milk causes symptoms including being gassy, bloated, and nauseous. So, if you want to avoid these symptoms, lactose-free milk can be a good alternative.
7. Flavored milk
You can also drink flavored milk to quell the pain from spicy food. It is delicious and comes in different flavors. You can try chocolate, banana, strawberry, or vanilla. Flavored milk comes with nutrients essential for growth and development in children.
It also promotes disease prevention and promotes better health among adults. For example, chocolate milk has protein and carbohydrates required for replenishment, adaptation, and recovery after exercise. So, you can use a chocolate drink as a post-exercise drink.
Flavored milk also contains phosphorus, calcium, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, niacin, protein, and vitamins B12, A, and D. Flavored milk is made with sugar, milk, natural or artificial flavorings, and coloring. Usually, this milk is pasteurized with ultra-high-temperature treatment.
8. Coconut milk
Coconut milk is also an excellent drink to pair with a spicy meal. It has lauric acid that can reduce inflammation due to the consumption of spicy foods. In addition, it also has many benefits to your health, like lowering cholesterol and stimulating weight loss.
This milk is a milky, white substance extracted from mature coconuts’ flesh. It can be a good alternative to your dairy milk. It can be thin or thick. Milk promotes better heart health. It has lauric acid, an antioxidant that prevents heart disease and stroke.
Coconut milk also comes with antioxidants called phenols. These antioxidants help your body to eliminate or fight free radicals, protecting you from illness. The lauric acid in coconut milk has antimicrobial effects that fight infection. It also contains minerals and vitamins.
Aside from lowering the pain from spicy food, it also has many uses. You can use it for smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, sauces, and soups.
