R Ashwin reveals why he quit milk and switched to black coffee

Former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, 39, recently revealed he switched from drinking milk to black coffee due to his lactose intolerance. In a YouTube vlog, he stated, "I am lactose-and gluten-intolerant. I don't drink milk. It's been a long time since I stopped drinking milk." Ashwin explained that consuming milk can lead to digestive issues, such as bowel movement problems that last for over two days.

He also shared his thoughts on the differences between black and South Indian filter coffee, highlighting the health benefits of black coffee, such as its low calorie content and high antioxidant levels. Consultant dietitian Garima Goyal explained that lactose intolerance occurs when the body produces insufficient lactase, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

She noted that while many people with lactose intolerance can still enjoy certain dairy products, the tolerance varies from person to person. Ashwin's preference for black coffee over milk-based filter coffee is a practical way to avoid lactose while still enjoying coffee. Goyal emphasized that nutrition should be personalized, and individuals should pay attention to how their bodies react to different foods.