MILK IS A COMPLETE FOOD

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Milk is an indispensable food as it is rich in essential nutrients for human health. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals and hence, occupies a significant place as a health drink, especially for young children. 

Produced by female mammals, milk forms the base for dairy products like yogurt, cheese and ghee, which also are beneficial for humans. Milk is called ‘complete food’ as  it is dense with all major nutrients except iron. Now, let us try to understand what really is good in milk.

NUTRIENT-RICH

According to nutritionists, milk contains:

Calcium that helps in building healthy bones and teeth, maintains bone mass

Proteins which are a source of energy and help in building, repairing muscle tissue

Phosphorus that aids in strengthening bones and generating energy

Vitamin B12 that can help maintain healthy red blood cells and nerve tissues

Vitamin D that supports development of bones and teeth

Lactase that can break down lactose to glucose and galactose.

In addition, milk also contains Vitamin A that maintains immune system and improves vision, potassium, Riboflavin (B2), Niacin, magnesium, zinc, thiamine, selenium, fatty acids including conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and Omega-3s.

Milk gets its rich taste from the fats it is composed of which can get digested easily in the stomach

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

There is something that milk can provide to everybody. It is good for kids as it provides required vital nutrients, especially calcium, vitamin D and potassium that help in developing strong bones and muscles. Hence, including dairy products as a necessary food ensures that kids and teens get the required nutrition, along with good taste.

Scientific research revealed that consumption of milk is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and Type-II diabetes and that it also helped lower blood pressure.

As one grows old, there is continuous loss of muscle which can be restored to some extent by consuming high-quality protein, which is available in milk. Physical exercise also helps maintain muscle mass in older adults.

It is also good for athletes. The 85 per cent of water in milk and eight nutrients, apart from carbohydrates and protein, provide the necessary elements for recovery of muscles and hydration in them.

INDUCES SLEEP

Apart from these benefits, milk is also known to induce sleep. Milk and other dairy products contain an amino acid, tryptophan, used by the brain to produce serotonin and melatonin which help the body relax and prepare for sleep.

It is a myth that drinking warm milk before going to bed would help you relax as there is no scientific evidence to prove it.

WEIGHT LOSS

Though not proven so far, milk may aid the process of weight loss.

Milk is loaded with proteins like casein, albumin and globulin which keep you satiated. Further, milk also increases the levels of appetite-reducing hormones and hunger hormone ghrelin, making you crave less. Proteins give you a feeling of satiety, thereby making you stop getting involved in binge eating.

It is also believed that the calcium and Vitamin D present in milk help burn calories by increasing the metabolism.