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The Best Late-Night Drink to Support Healthy Aging, According to Dietitians
Verywell Health • • health
Key Points:
- Drinking milk before bedtime provides 13 essential nutrients, including about eight grams of protein per cup, which supports muscle repair and growth during sleep, benefiting musculoskeletal health especially in older adults.
- Milk is a significant source of calcium, helping meet one-third of the daily requirement, which is crucial for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis in adults over 60.
- Fortified milk supplies vitamin D and vitamin B12, nutrients often deficient in older adults, supporting nerve, brain health, and cognitive function, with higher dairy intake linked to moderate cognitive improvements.
- Milk is an easy-to-digest nutritional option for older adults with appetite or chewing difficulties, and fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir may further enhance brain health through gut-brain signaling.
- To incorporate milk into a nighttime routine, consume six to eight ounces warm or cold about an hour before bed, avoiding added sugars and caffeine-containing beverages like coffee to preserve sleep benefits.
