Milk is a reservoir of nutrients and a vital part of a person’s daily diet. Milk contains calcium, potassium and other minerals. Calcium keeps the bones strong and helps prevent osteoporosis (bone loss), particularly in elderly men and in women about to reach menopause.
Potassium is a mineral in milk that helps regulate blood pressure and heart function and can help in the absorption of calcium.
Milk is loaded with vitamins required by the body. For instance, milk contains B vitamins, which include thiamin, niacin, B6, folate, B12, pantothenic acid and choline.
According to a report published by the Journal of Biological Chemistry, B vitamins are necessary for efficient metabolism in the human body. There are also trace amounts of vitamins C and A in milk and most varieties of milk contain vitamin D.
The USDA reports that vitamin D is necessary to regulate the levels of phosphorous and calcium in the body and also necessary for the proper absorption of calcium.
Milk is also an excellent source of protein as well. It is a good source of carbohydrates for energy and yet can be enjoyed by those on a low-carbohydrate diet, as there are only 12 g of carbohydrates in a 1 cup.
Traditionally, we boil milk before consuming it. However, it is important to note that while boiling milk kills bacteria, in the process of boiling we also tend to destroy useful nutrients in the milk.
It is therefore advisable to consume milk that is processed using Ultra High Temperature (UHT) technology as this milk is considered the safest and most reliable for children as well as grown-ups.
When milk is processed using UHT technology, it is heated at a very high temperature (135-150 degrees C) in a closed system for a few seconds and then force-cooled to room temperature. This process removes all micro-organisms from the milk.
At the same time, it retains the nutrients and flavour of the milk as the heating period is brief. The milk processed using UHT technology is safer than milk processed using the traditional pasteurisation process, as pasteurisation involves heating milk at a lower temperature for a significantly longer holding time.
UHT milk packaged in cartons is 100 per cent preservative free and assures consumers of fresh, high quality milk that is easy to carry and store without the hassle of refrigeration.
The UHT process also eliminates the need for boiling. So, the next time you want to have a glass of milk, have it straight out of a milk carton!