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FEATURES (July
28 – August 3, 2008) Milk 101: What you’ve probably already forgotten about milk PEOPLE
know that milk is healthy but not everyone is aware of its numerous benefits.
This unawareness may be one of the reasons behind
the decrease in milk consumption in the country. According to the National
Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food & Nutrition Research Institute
(FNRI) in 2003, Filipinos’ milk intake lessened as they aged. What people should know is that drinking milk is
important beyond growing years. This
should be done as other food and vegetables cannot replace milk’s nutrient. Beneficial to both adults and children Milk is an
excellent source of vitamins and nutrients, a benefit that both adults and
children should take advantage of. It is also rich in calcium, which helps improve bone
health. Kids need calcium to develop strong and healthy bones, while adults,
especially women, need milk and other dairy products to help prevent
osteoporosis. Vitamin A and protein are also present in milk.
Vitamin A is good for the eyesight and protein is necessary for growth and
building and maintaining tissues. Milk nutrients also include important B vitamins
such as riboflavin or Vitamin B2 which plays an important role in maintaining
health, vitality, and well-being. It also helps in developing skin,
connective tissues, and mucous membranes. Prevent diseases and manage weight Regular milk
intake provides the body with essential antioxidants that inhibit oxidation
and prevent cell damage. These are important to prevent our body from certain
illnesses and diseases. The antioxidants present in milk are Zinc, Iron, and
Vitamin C. Zinc helps in faster wound healing and supports a
healthy immune system. It is an essential mineral that also aids vision and
normal growth and development. Milk also contains Iron that transports oxygen in
the blood to different parts of the body. Iron helps in immune function,
energy metabolism, and cognitive development too. Vitamin C, meanwhile, aids in forming collagen - a
protein in the skin that gives its strength and resilience. Health studies have indicated as well that regular
milk drinking helps in weight management because calcium lessens the
absorption of fat. Managing weight, however, will only be effective if milk
drinking is coupled with a balanced diet. So get back to the habit of
milk drinking. Consume an adequate amount of milk everyday for better health
and well-being. Ilocos Times copyright 2008 |
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for the industry? Milk 101: What you’ve probably already forgotten about milk |