Benefits and dangers of MILK

                                                 Chapter 13

MILK

As soon as the baby is born, it is given milk by the mother. The milk contains all the nutrition the baby needs to grow. The first milk that is produced is called colostrums. It has antibodies which are very important for the baby to avoid the risk of getting attacked by diseases. Milk contains saturated fat, protein, calcium and vitamin C. A cow’s milk is a bit acidic as compared to mother’s milk which is sweet.

Human is the only animal which consumes milk even after it is grown up. Actually a child loses the ability to digest milk as it grows up due to the lack of enzyme needed to digest milk. Hence milk causes diarrhoea, intestinal gas, cramps and bloating in some people.

The milk fat portion of the milk has vitamin A, D, E and K. One cup of milk has 150 calories.

Milk is pasteurized to kill harmful micro organisms by heating for some time and then cooling for storage and transportation. The milk is homogenized to stop the cream layer from forming over the milk. Hence homogenized milk is creamier.

Benefits:

1. Vitamin B present in milk gives energy.

2. Iodine present in milk is essential for thyroid function.

3. Potassium and Magnesium are minerals important for the heart.

4. Trace mineral called Selenium reduces risk of cancer.

5. Thiamine present in milk improves memory.

6. Vitamin A is important for immune function.

7. Vitamin B12 and Riboflavin are good for the heart.

8. Vitamin D and K are important for bones.

Dangers: It is also known that consumption of milk leads to certain health problems. Some people are allergic to proteins present in cow’s milk. Milk also contains casein which breaks down in our stomach to produce harmful substances. The risk of Parkinson’s disease is more in those who drink milk regularly.