Milk Day Special-Milk is like Mom to me

By Dr. Himani Srivastava*

Mom has many forms and plays an important role in every child’s life like friend, mentor, loving, caring and so many. Similarly, it is not hidden from anyone that milk has the most nutrition. And it has many varieties like curd, paneer, buttermilk etc.and all filled with high nutritious. 

Nutrition facts

The nutritional composition of milk is highly complex, and it contains almost every single nutrient that your body needs.

One cup (240 ml) of whole cow’s milk with 3.25% fat provides:

• Calories: 149

• Water: 88%

• Protein: 7.7 grams

• Carbs: 11.7 grams

• Sugar: 12.3 grams

• Fiber: 0 grams

• Fat: 8 grams

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/milk#nutrition

Milk has been running since ancient times. Our ancestors definitely knew its Importance in our life. Milk has long been considered as a portion of wholesome food. It is very important for bone as it contains calcium. Milk is very pure as it is not engineered or fabricated food. The composition of milk is 87 % water and 13% solid.  The fat portion of the milk contains fat-soluble vitamins. The solids other than fat include proteins, carbohydrates, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals. This is why it is called as wholesome food like mother completes you for anything.

Previously there was no facility of storage but now day’s different processed method of milk is available pasteurized milk and sterilized milk. And differentiation of cream like stoned milk, full cream, and so on. 

Milk also contains the following nutrients: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. The calcium found in milk is readily absorbed by the body. Phosphorus plays a role in calcium absorption and utilization. Phosphorus is needed in the proper ratio to calcium to form bone. Milk provides these two minerals in approximately the same ratio as found in bone. Milk is also a significant source of riboflavin (vitamin B2) which helps promote healthy skin and eyes, as well as vitamins A and D.

The following daily consumption of milk group foods is suggested by the government's U.S. Dietary Guidelines:

• Children 1-8 years old, 2 servings

• Children 9 years and older, 3 servings

• Adults, 3 servings

Drinking milk every day from an early age benefits good eyesight and increases red blood cell count, supplies proteins for body repair and growth, provides magnesium for muscles, calcium for bones and teeth, phosphorus for energy, carbohydrates for vitality and potassium for nerve function. All these nutrients help the body function well and keep you refreshed throughout the day.

How milk is good for the skin?

Milk is also good for the skin. It is suggested that the use of raw milk with besan it gives flawless skin and heals dark spot. Dairy products are a good source of protein that helps to promote skin elasticity as we age. Milk also contains retinol which is known as an anti-aging and skin-restoring antioxidant. 

How milk is good for teeth?

“The benefits of milk also apply to teeth and the jaw, which can lose density if you don't get enough calcium in your diet,” says Beall.

“There has been an increase in the number of flavored milk available, which offers an option for children who do not like the taste of plain milk. However, due to their higher sugar content, they should be consumed as a treat with meals for dental health”, she explained.

So now you know the benefits of milk but why we celebrate this?

One answer to this question is to spread awareness of milk’s importance in India. This day at least you can focus attention on milk and lift awareness of dairy products. As Indian’s diet for kids and women is not sufficient so it recommended that one glass of milk daily. An Indian woman suffers a lot of bone disease after the 30th age due to a lack of calcium. 

“While most people are aware of the benefits of milk as a source of calcium and in bone development for infants and young children, there is a common misconception that these benefits are of less importance as people grow older, which is not the case”, Dr. Foley Nolan said.

The fact that several countries like better to try this on a constant day lends further importance to individual national celebrations and shows that milk may be a world food.

This milk day let’s take a pledge we will spread this awareness to the whole part of India

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For more queries please write to us at kirti@healthyindiacampaign.com 

Kirti Kumari

(Food Scientist and Certified Nutrition Counselor)

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tehri Garhwal

Brand Ambassador “Beti Bachao, Beti Padao”

Govt. of Uttarakhand

Visit at-  www.healthyindiacampaign.com