Health Corner

Milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium. Milk and milk products contain a good balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate and are a very important source of essential nutrients including:

• Calcium
• Riboflavin
• Phosphorous
• Vitamins A, D and B12
• Pantothenic acid.

Also they enhance the nutrition of food (Cereal and Vegetable Proteins).

As known globally, people tend to restrict dairy foods when they try to reduce weight. However, dairy foods (particularly low fat products) are not a threat to good health if consumed in moderation as part of a well-balanced nutritious diet. Milk is an essential element in your daily intake and may lead to some severe ailments if not taken in advised amounts.

Some of them include

• Osteoporosis - If milk and milk products are removed from the diet, it can lead to an inadequate intake of calcium. This might be of great concern for elderly and especially women whosw calcium requirement are relatively high. Calcium deficiency may lead to disorders like osteoporosis (a disease characterised by bone loss).
• Colon Cancer - Some studies have found that people who regularly eat dairy products have a reduced risk of developing colon cancer.
• Blood pressure - Research in the US found that a high intake of fruits and vegetables, combined with low fat dairy foods, will lower blood pressure more than fruits and vegetables alone.
• Type 2 diabetes - A 10-year study of 3,000 overweight adults found that consuming milk and other milk products instead of refined sugars and carbohydrates may protect overweight young adults from developing type 2 diabetes.

Milk and tooth decay

Milk and milk products are thought to protect against tooth decay. Eating cheese and other dairy products:

• Reduces oral acidity (which causes decay)
• Stimulates saliva flow
• Decreases plaque formation
• Decreases the incidence of dental caries (tooth decay).

Vitamins and Minerals

Milk

• Vitamins A, D and B12
• Minerals - Calcium, Phosphorous

Cheese

• Vitamin A, B, B12, B2 and Folate
• Minerals - Calcium, Phosphorous, Iodine and Sodium and tints of Magnesium and Zinc.

Butter

• Fat soluble Vitamins - A, D, E
• Water Soluble vitamins - B and C
• Minerals - Calcium, Magnesium, Phosporus, Potassium, Iodine

Ghee

• Fat Soluble Vitamins - A and D

Unpasteurised milk

Most milk in the market is pasteurised (heat treated then cooled). Milk that hasn't been through this process should be avoided. While pasteurisation reduces the amount of some vitamins, such as vitamin C, it also kills bacteria. Unpasteurised milk is a health hazard because of the dangers of bacterial diseases.