Health-Related Aspects of Milk Proteins

Milk is an important component of a balanced diet and contains many valuable constituents. A considerable part of the milk healthbenefits is related to its proteins, not only for their nutritive value but also for their biological properties. Scientific evidence suggests that anticarcinogenic activities, antihypertensive properties, immune system modulation, and other metabolic features of milk, are affiliated with milk proteins (both the intact proteins and their derivatives). They could be beneficial to prevent, control and even treat some lifestyle-related diseases. In this article, the main health-related aspects of milk proteins, such as anticarcinogenic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anticariogenic, antihypertensive, and hypocholesterolemic effects, are reviewed. Collectively, the findings indicate the effectiveness of milk proteins in reduction of the risk of cancers and cardiovascular diseases also improvement of overall health aspects.