June 1 is observed as World Milk Day every year. The campaign was initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk. Loaded with nutrients like protein, Vitamin A, B1, B2, B12, and D, potassium and magnesium, it is believed to be much more nutritious than most beverages. Milk has been recognized as an important part of our daily diet, across all cultures. Be it in our daily cup of tea and coffee or in shakes, smoothies and ice cream, milk has numerous uses but is most often enjoyed all by itself. This is probably because milk is regarded as a complete meal. But, why so? And, is it true? We set out to discover.
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Milk has all essential nutrients required for human nutrition
Milk is regarded as a complete food because of its rich content of protein, fat, carbohydrates, all known vitamins and various minerals essential for sustaining life and maintaining good health. The protein in milk is known to have all the major amino acids required for building tissues and the repair of damaged cells in our body. "Milk is labelled as a complete food because it packs all essential nutrients like carbs, proteins, fats, and vitamins except iron," says Bangalore-based nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood. According to her, the two essential nutrients in milk that make it so nutritious are:
1. Milk is highly recommended for people suffering from constipation. Drinking warm milk is good for people with stomach problems and even those who have erratic meal timings.
2. It is full of proteins such as casein, albumin and globulin.
Milk is a good source of B vitamins, especially vitamin B12 that ensures healthy functioning of the brain and the nervous system. The book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House mentions that milk has high amounts of Vitamin B3 (niacin) which may help maintain a steady weight and improve energy expenditure. The calcium in dairy foods also increases the metabolism of fats. The book further suggests that the calcium content in milk may reduce the risk of hypertension by maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels. Moreover, goat and sheep milk contain capric acid, a healthy fat that helps in raising the levels of HDL cholesterol or the good cholesterol.
(Also read: Have You Been Eating Bananas with Milk? You Must Read This)
Diabetics can also enjoy a glass of this wonder beverage for its palmitoleic acid, another healthy fat, protects against insulin resistance. So, have it all by itself or blend it with your favourite fruits to make a shake, milk is great any which way. In this scorching weather, you can even make some cooling sherbets with milk or the good-old cold coffee is always a good option.
Happy World Milk Day 2021!
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)