Milk is a white, nutrient-rich liquid food produced in the mammary glands of female mammals to nourish their young for a period beginning immediately after birth. It is one of the popular dairy product which is consumed by humans either as a fresh fluid or processed into several dairy products such as butter and cheese.
Mostly milk is consumed from cow and milk products have become important articles of commerce. Other important sources of milk are the sheep, goat, buffalo and camel in some parts of world. It is essentially an emulsion of fat and protein in water, along with dissolved sugar (carbohydrate), minerals, and vitamins. These constituents are present in the milk of all mammals, though their proportions differ from one species to another and within species.
The milk of each species seems to be a complete food for its own young for a considerable time after birth. Early-lactation milk contains colostrum, which carries the mother’s antibodies to its young and can reduce the risk of many diseases. In the stomachs of the young, milk is converted to a soft curd that encloses globules of fat, enabling digestion to proceed smoothly without the disturbance often caused by fatty food.
Milk is used for numerous purposes and converted into dairy products like cheese, butter, curd, cream etc. Modern industries use milk to produce casein, lactose, whey protein, powdered milk, condensed milk and other industrial products. Lactose is a disaccharide sugar that is found in milk. The enzyme needed to digest lactose which reaches its highest levels in the human small intestine after birth and then begins a slow decline unless milk is consumed regularly.
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Dairy farms produce tons of milk everyday and most the milk is given the million of cows. India is the world’s largest producer of milk, and is the leading exporter of skimmed milk powder, yet it exports few other milk products. Throughout the world, more than six billion people consume milk and milk products. Between 750 and 900 million people live in dairy farming households.
Milk and milk products should be bought fresh. It should be stored in refrigerator below 40 degree Fahrenheit but it should never be stored near the door of the refrigerator where it is susceptible to warm air from the opening and closing the door. Milk for consumption is mostly derived from cows, goats, buffloes and sheeps.
Milk fat being less dense than other milk components, can be efficiently removed in a cream separator by centrifugation, yielding low-fat milk and skim milk. Low-fat milk contains 1–2 percent fat, while skim milk contains less than 0.5 percent fat. Drinking milk daily has many health benefits.
Benefits Of Milk
Muscle Growth
It is also great at improving muscle growth. This is due to the protein found in milk. Many athletes drink milk following a workout, as it provides the body essential nutrients needed to recover. Also, milk helps to prevent muscles soreness and replenishes the fluids that were lost during physical activity.
Healthy Bones
Kids indeed need to drink milk to increase bone health, to improve proper growth. It’s also true, however, that adults can benefit from drinking milk to help keep their bones strong, which will reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Again, this benefit comes from calcium found in milk, and your body does need vitamin D to absorb the calcium.
Strong Teeth
It is the best source for calcium, and that’s exactly what your teeth need. Also, milk helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. The calcium can only be absorbed by your body when vitamin D is around, so make sure that the milk you drink is fortified with vitamin D.
Energy Booster
It is great for many things, but did you know it’s also great for boosting your energy? When you’re struggling to get through the day and you need a little pick-me-up, reach for an ice cold glass of milk. You will feel revitalized in no time.
Disease Fighter
This includes its ability to help lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes. Also, milk can reduce the production of cholesterol by your liver, and helps improve eyesight.
