Milk and nutritional value
September 19, 2020
The consumption of milk and dairy products provides significant and long-lasting benefits to the health of people of all ages.
Nutrients in milk, including calcium, potassium, protein and vitamin D, provide people with a diet rich in milk and dairy products with lifelong benefits.
The preservation of bone mass and the prevention of osteoporosis are some of the strong examples of the beneficial effects of milk on humans.
A diet rich in milk and dairy products helps build and maintain a strong skeleton throughout life. At the same time, it essentially reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
The consumption of milk and dairy products is particularly important for bones in childhood and adolescence. These ages are critical for the skeleton because it is in this phase of life that the bone mass that a person will have throughout their existence is created.
At the same time, a diet rich in milk and the products derived from it usually have a higher overall nutritional value.
Research has shown a possible association between consumption of low-fat or near-fat milk and a reduced risk of high blood pressure, heart disease (coronary
Also, obese people who consume milk may benefit due to a reduced risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
The main nutrients present in milk or added (enrichment of milk) are the following:
Calcium
Calcium is a key element in building bones and teeth. It is also necessary for the long-term maintenance of bone mass. Milk is the main source of calcium in the modern diet in many countries of the world.
Daily consumption of 3 cups of milk, or their equivalent in other dairy products, is able to improve bone mass.
Calcium has many other very important roles in the body. It helps the action of many enzymes and blood clotting.
New research shows that calcium is associated with a reduced risk of colon and rectal cancer.
Calcium from milk and dairy products in general has a better effect than calcium from other products. It contributes to weight loss, the absorption of fat from the stomach and its better elimination from the digestive tract, thus helping to fight obesity.
During childhood and adolescence, pregnancy, breastfeeding, the body's calcium needs are increased. For the best absorption of calcium from the intestine, vitamin D and vitamin C are needed. For these reasons, milk and dairy products are today enriched with these vitamins.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has a key role in the human body to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus. It is necessary for the absorption of calcium from the intestine. It contributes decisively to the construction and maintenance of bones.
Vitamin D-fortified milk, dairy products and other products (breakfast cereals) are good sources of this vitamin.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral mineral that is required by every cell in the body to function properly. Phosphorus is essential for building and maintaining bones and teeth. Additionally, it is a key element in the body's energy production mechanisms.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential in the metabolism of bones, proteins and the synthesis of fatty acids necessary for the creation of new cells. Insulin secretion and its function require magnesium.
Activation of B vitamins, muscle relaxation, blood clotting, lowering of blood pressure and production of energy in the body (ATP) all require magnesium.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health.
Kontopidou Irini
Clinical dietician, M.Sc.