World Milk Day: 5 Health Benefits Of The Superfood

Milk is the quintessential superfood that dietitians recommend having at least once a day. Dairy products, which range from butter to yogurt, brag a long list of health benefits. Milk has long been associated with comfort as well. No wonder, when we think of it, we are usually reminded of fond childhood memories like downing a glass of warm milk before hitting the bed.

To celebrate milk, which has been an essential part of the human diet for many years, we observe World Milk Day on June 1 every year. The occasion was first proclaimed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN) to highlight the fact that the dairy industry is the source of livelihood for millions of households around the world. Since its inception in 2001, the day has come to be celebrated in all the countries aiming to create awareness about drinking milk.

The observance has a new theme each year, and for 2022, it centers on achieving "Dairy Net Zero." This highlights the dairy industry's pledge to drastically cut down on its greenhouse gas emissions in the next 30 years. The efforts also emphasize the fact that the industry is now more concerned with sustainability than ever.

Health Benefits of Milk

In time for World Milk Day, let's take a look at five facts that prove milk can do wonders for our health. (Courtesy: Natural Food Series and Healthline)

• Milk is a great source of healthy fats, therefore it keeps the bone healthy while aiding the brain development of babies.
• When we do a lot of physical work, our body drains electrolytes in the form of sodium and calcium. The body can't afford to drain too many electrolytes as they help transport essential nutrients to different parts of the body. Drinking milk helps restore electrolytes to a great degree.
• Milk has a large number of water molecules that keep our body hydrated and functioning well.
• It is not a secret that milk is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Apart from that, it contains vitamin B12, which is necessary for our DNA health. It also has riboflavin, which boosts the body's energy levels, and phosphorus, which works to repair tissues and cells.
• Consuming more high-fat dairy products is linked to less weight gain and lower obesity risk, according to a study conducted on 18,000 middle-aged and elderly women.