Milk Facts

Milk is a white-colored liquid that is produced by mammals. The nutrition that the young ones of mammals (including humans) obtain through this fluid holds great importance. The early lactation milk (known as colostrum) contains antibodies that protect babies from infections.

It is termed as a complete food due to the number of nutrients it offers. Calcium, proteins, saturated fats, and vitamin C are some of its important components.

Milk is basically a colloid containing globules of butterfat in a water-based fluid. When it is not pasteurized and homogenized, it is termed as raw. The raw form is richer in protein. However, the intake of raw form is not preferred. The process of pasteurization prevents any kind of bacterial infection; thus, it is advisable to consume this beverage after it is pasteurized.

Intake of this beverage on a regular basis leads to the healthy development of the body. However, there are a few misconceptions, which may prevent you from including it in your regular diet.

Myth 1: People planning to lose weight need to avoid this beverage, as it is believed to be fattening.
Fact 1: Low-fat dairy products can be consumed in moderation, as the fats present in them are saturated fats.

Myth 2: Nasal congestion is directly proportional to the intake of this beverage.
Fact 2: The role of milk in mucous production has not yet been scientifically proven.

Myth 3: Intake of the unpasteurized form is more beneficial, as it is rich in protein.
Fact 3: Drinking unpasteurized milk could be a health hazard due to the dangers of bacterial diseases.

Myth 4: Those who are allergic to cow's milk should switch to goat's milk.
Fact 4: Allergic sensitivity is due to the presence of one or more proteins; switching to goat's milk wouldn't help as proteins present in both are similar.

Myth 5: Those who are lactose intolerant should avoid milk and dairy products totally.
Fact 5: Dairy products are nutritious, so giving them up totally is not advisable. Instead opt for alternatives such as lactose-free foods or foods containing less lactose, soy foods, modified milk, etc.

It is believed that the use of milk as a beverage started 10,000 years ago. The places where domestication of animals to obtain milk first began were Afghanistan and Iran. Cattle was introduced to America in the 1600s by Plymouth Rock colonists. Some more fun facts are given below:

• Out of total dairy supplied to markets worldwide, cow's milk holds 90% share.

• In the United States, few areas have priced this beverage higher than gasoline.
• Water content in this beverage accounts for 85 - 95% of the total volume. Proteins, vitamins, fats, and carbohydrates form the remaining 10 - 15%.

Chocolate milk is not only delicious, but also nutritious. It is used in a variety of recipes. It contains all the 16 nutrients including vitamin D and calcium. The sugar content is also less. In fact, it is at the same level as an unsweetened apple juice.

Chocolate drink can be used as an alternative to less nutritious soft drinks and other beverages. It has been observed that 61% boys and 83% girls who are 10 years of age, do not get proper nutrition, which otherwise can easily be obtained by consumption of this milk.

The consumption of this beverage decreases with age. In order to encourage children and teenagers to drink milk, superheroes such as Batman, Superman, The Incredible Hulk, and even Wolverine from X-Men campaigned for an American ad. The role of chocolate drink should also prove to be crucial in drawing the kids towards this nutritious food.