7 Health Benefits of Drinking Ensure Milk

Ensure is a popular ready-to-drink nutritional shake that provides a convenient way to supplement your diet with essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s readily available at grocery and convenience stores, offering not only calcium but also protein, sugar, and fats.

Designed as a meal replacement or a handy snack, Ensure milk is particularly useful when solid food isn’t an option. While whole foods are generally preferable, Ensure milk still offers several health benefits. Here are seven lesser-known advantages of incorporating Ensure milk into your diet.

1. Aids in Cancer Recovery
   Cancer patients often experience issues like low appetite, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing, particularly due to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. The American Cancer Society recommends nutritional shakes like Ensure when regular food intake is insufficient. With its high-calorie and high-protein content, Ensure milk provides the necessary energy to support cancer patients in their recovery.
2. Combats Malnutrition
   Ensure milk is beneficial for older adults, especially those struggling with malnutrition, decreased appetite, or swallowing and chewing difficulties. By adding essential fluids, proteins, and nutrients to the diet, Ensure helps protect muscles and bones while combating dehydration.
3. Assists with Weight Loss
   Ensure milk can be an effective tool for weight loss, particularly when used as a meal replacement in calorie-controlled diets. While the weight loss may not be dramatic, using Ensure as part of a balanced strategy can contribute to managing obesity.
4. Boosts Immunity
   In today’s environment, where we are constantly exposed to free radicals, boosting immunity is crucial. Consuming Ensure milk can help enhance your immune system by providing essential nutrients that support overall health, especially when whole foods are not readily available.
5. Strengthens Bones
   Milk is well-known as a rich source of calcium, and Ensure milk is no exception. In addition to calcium, it also provides vitamin D and protein, which together contribute to stronger bones. Regular consumption of Ensure, along with exercise, can help maintain bone health.
6. Maintains Digestive Health
   Ensure milk supports digestive health due to its fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) content. Additionally, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and iodine in Ensure aid in metabolism, ensuring that the digestive system functions smoothly while keeping the body hydrated and well-nourished.
7. Protects Against Infections
   A strong immune system is key to protecting the body from infections. Ensure milk is rich in antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamin C, which together help fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, thereby supporting the body’s defense mechanisms.

Potential Side Effects

Before incorporating Ensure milk into your diet, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, as it may cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. These effects can vary from person to person and may range from mild to moderate.

This article highlights the potential benefits of drinking Ensure milk without promoting it. There are many other milk options available, so it’s important to find what works best for you and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health concerns. Milk is crucial for health, and different types, such as Etawa or corn milk, also offer unique benefits.