A Glass of Milk at Breakfast Can Extend Satiety

The speed of digestion varies according to the foods and drinks in a meal, while their nutritional composition influences how the body responds during the day. In this context, cow’s milk is described as a practical way to maintain a feeling of fullness beyond breakfast.

Milk can also be used at other times, including afternoon snacks and an evening meal. It can be combined with fruit, oats, nuts or wholegrain bread to form meals that provide a mixture of nutrients and take longer to digest comfortably.

Its proteins, including casein and whey, activate biological mechanisms involved in the natural regulation of appetite. Fat, which is present in greater amounts in whole milk, slows the emptying of the stomach. Skimmed milk is presented as an alternative for people seeking fewer calories while retaining nutrients such as calcium and protein.

Milk also supplies B vitamins, essential minerals and fluids. Its combination with fruit, wholegrain cereals and seeds adds fibre to the meal. Different types of milk have broadly similar nutritional foundations, with the main differences relating to fat levels and any added fortification.

Hunger is not always caused by an immediate need for energy. Rosana noted that “there is also so-called hedonic hunger, which is linked to pleasure, emotions and memories associated with food.” She added that milk may form part of familiar and comforting occasions, such as a hot drink at the end of the day or a dish connected with personal memories.

In Brazilian households, UHT carton milk remains widely used. Its heat-treatment process and specialised packaging provide long shelf life and safety without preservatives or refrigeration before opening.