Milk is basically a non-vegetarian food item, being obtained from animals. However, milk of cow/ buffaloe is taken by people having both non-vegetarian and vegetarian/vegan food habits, in view of the various nutrients available in milk. To supplement food to the new born babies, apart from breast-feeding, cow’s milk is given. Even adults and elderly people take milk to have the benefits of the nutrients of milk.
Milk contains:-
- Calcium which helps:- To build strong bones and teeth, in Nerve function, in Muscles Contraction and in Blood Clotting.
- Vitamin D which helps to promote the absorption of Calcium
- Vitamin B12 which helps to build Red Blood Cells
- Vitamin A which helps to maintain normal vision and skincare, growth of cells, and maintenance of immune system.
- Protein which helps to build and repair muscles tissues and which is a source of energy.
- Potassium which regulates the body’s fluid balance and helps to maintain normal blood pressure.
- Rifboflavin which helps to convert food into energy.
- Niracin which is vital for normal functions of many enzymes and related to the metabolism of sugars and fatty acids.
- Fat/cholesterol,(content of fat in milk is controlled by pasteurizing milk as per requirement of fat content)
- Phosphorus which helps to strengthen bones and
- Water which will keep the body hydrated.
Milk and the bye-products of milk such as:-
- curd,
- butter-milk,
- butter,
- cheese and ghee
are also consumed by all.
Milk is fermented to obtain curd. Curd is diluted to obtain butter-milk. From curd fat in the form of butter is removed by stirring. When butter is heated ghee is obtained. In the preparation of many food items, and sweet, milk and its bye-products are used. Milk in any form is delicious and full of nutrients.
