It is the primary source of nutrition for young mammals before they are able to digest other types of food. Early-lactation milk contains colostrum, which carries the mother's antibodies to its young and can reduce the risk of many diseases. Milk contains many other nutrients and the carbohydrate lactose.
As an agricultural product, milk is extracted from mammals during or soon after pregnancy and is used as food for humans.
In almost all mammals, milk is fed to infants through breastfeeding, either directly or by expressing the milk to be stored and consumed later. The early milk from mammals is called colostrum.
Colostrum contains antibodies that provide protection to the newborn baby as well as nutrients and growth factors. The makeup of the colostrum and the period of secretion varies from species to species.
For humans, the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and breastfeeding in addition to other food for at least two years.
In some cultures it is common to breastfeed children for three to five years, and the period may be longer.
Fresh goats' milk is sometimes substituted for breast milk. This introduces the risk of the child developing electrolyte imbalances, metabolic acidosis, megaloblastic anemia, and a host of allergic reactions.
The females of all mammal species can produce milk, but cow's milk dominates commercial production.
In 2011, FAO estimates 85% of all milk worldwide was produced from cows. Human milk is not produced or distributed industrially or commercially; however, human milk banks collect donated human breastmilk and redistribute it to infants who may benefit from human milk for various reasons (premature neonates, babies with allergies, metabolic diseases, etc.) but who cannot breastfeed.
Processed cow's milk was formulated to contain differing amounts of fat during the 1950s. One cup (250 ml) of 2%-fat cow's milk contains 285 mg of calcium, which represents 22% to 29% of the daily recommended intake (DRI) of calcium for an adult. Depending on its age, milk contains 8 grams of protein, and a number of other nutrients including:
- Biotin
- Iodine
- Magnesium
- Pantothenic acid
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
- Thiamine
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamins D
- Vitamin K
Milk as a calcium source has been questioned in media, but scientific research is lacking to support the hypothesis of acidosis induced by milk.
The hypothesis in question being that acidosis would lead to leeching of calcium storages in bones to neutralize pH levels. Research has found no link between metabolic acidosis and consumption of milk.
Other benefits includes:
1. Keeps Bones Healthy:
Milk benefits the body as a whole and is mostly known for improving the calcium levels. It promotes bone growth in children, while also maintaining the bone strength in adults.Vitamin D is required for the body to absorb calcium. So if you have vitamin D deficiency, it is suggested to drink fortified milk which contains extra vitamins.
2. Helps In Weight Loss:
Milk is a great appetizer and a healthy snack. Add a glass of milk to your dinner or drink it with a fruit. Women who drink skimmed or low fat milk lose more weight easily.3. Beats Stress:
At the end of the day, a glass of lukewarm milk helps in reducing stress and relaxing the nerves. It boosts the energy and reduces the symptoms of PMS.4. Builds Muscle:
Milk helps you build muscles. When you work hard or exercise, milk helps you recover that lost energy and repairs the muscles.5. Healthy Body:
- Lowers high blood pressure and, thus, reduces the risks of strokes.
- Reduces the production of cholesterol by the liver.
- Gives good eyesight.
- Lowers the risk of cancers.
6. Improves Complexion:
Milk is great for improving the complexion. All you need to do is apply raw milk all over your face and neck and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse off with fresh water. This will make your skin fairer and softer within minutes. You can also prepare a face pack by mixing 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply this on clean skin and allow it to dry for ten minutes. This face pack acts as a mild bleach for your skin.7. Excellent Cleanser:
Raw milk is an excellent cleanser. You can dip a cotton ball in raw milk and wipe your face with it. Rinse off your face with fresh water after 5 minutes. Doing this daily will provide you with a squeaky clean skin from the inside out, besides making it fair and supple. You can also make a cleanser by blending 2 slices of papaya with milk. Apply this mixture all over your face and neck and wash off with cold water after some time. This will make your face clean, fresh and fair.8. Shrinks Pores:
Sour cream or sour milk can help in shrinking pores. If you have large and open pores, you can take some sour cream and apply it on your face and neck. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash clean. Dairy products are quite effective in counteracting large pores.9. Milk For Radiant Skin:
The combination of milk and honey works wonders on your skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of powdered milk with 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons of warm water. Apply this all over your face and neck and allow it to dry and become stiff. Rinse off with warm water after a while. Apart from this, the daily consumption of milk can beautify your skin naturally. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals and proteins that can make your skin fairer and radiant internally.10. Soothes Skin Irritation:
Milk helps to lighten red spots, reduce allergic reactions and heal wounds. Apply sweet milk, sour cream or butter milk on irritated or sensitive skin, and allow it to dry.11. Milk For Smooth Skin:
To get a smooth skin, you can prepare a facial and body scrub by mixing a cup of milk with 3 tablespoons of oatmeal. Apply it as a scrub on your face and body. Allow it to dry and then rinse off with warm water. Using this regularly will make your skin softer and smoother.12. Removes Dead Cells:
Using milk scrub on your skin removes dead cells, thus imparting it a natural glow. All you need to do is dissolve some salt in boiling water and add 4 cups of instant non-fat milk to it. Soak for 20 minutes in lukewarm water and do the scrubbing.13. Clear Wrinkles:
You can make a smooth paste by mashing half a banana with a few teaspoons of raw milk. Apply it on clean and damp skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash off with water. This mask will help smoothen the fine lines and impart a natural glow as well.14. Treatment Of Sunburns:
Milk is a great aid for sun burns or sun tanned skin. Just apply some buttermilk directly on your skin to soothe and heal the sunburn.15. Serves As A Good Moisturizer:
Milk can help in keeping your skin moisturized throughout the whole day. You can take some raw, unboiled milk along with its cream. Dip a washed cloth in it such that it is fully saturated.Apply this on your washed cloth and allow it to dry for about 15 minutes. Now scrub your face gently with the washed cloth for 5 minutes.
This will restore the natural moisture of your skin, improve its elasticity and make it smooth and supple such that your skin looks glowing.
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