How Nutritious Is Milk?

Milk is a well-accepted and wholesome food and beverage for all age groups. It contains most of the nutrients necessary for growth and development. It is, therefore, especially useful or feeding infants, toddlers, growing children and expectant women and nursing mothers. All the macro and micro nutrients are present in an easily digestible and assimilable form in milk. Milk proteins possess high biological value, which is almost equal to that of meat, eggs and other high-quality animal proteins. Milk proteins are valuable supplements to most vegetarian diets. Milk is a rich source of bioavailable calcium which helps in the building up of strong bones. Milk fat serves as a vehicle for important fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E. Since milk fat is of the saturated type, those who have to be on a low-fat diet can consume skimmed/toned milk. For strict vegetarians, milk is the only source of vitamin B12. Milk is also rich in vitamin B2, but is a poor source of vitamin C and iron. Only pasteurised or boiled milk should be consumed to ensure protection from disease-causing agents.