Why is milk good for your health?

Milk is known for its richness in calcium and thus its importance for your bones, but did you know that milk contains more than 9 other essential nutrients?
It contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fat: 

• Protein is important to fight diseases, renew cells, build muscles and maintain healthy hair and nails. That is why your diet should provide enough proteins. Milk is an important source of protein, since each glass contains almost 8 grams.
• The source of carbohydrates in milk is lactose which gives energy to the body.
• Minerals and vitamins: Milk is rich in many nutrients that are essential for good health, for stronger bones (Calcium, Vitamin D, Phosphorous), for more energy (B vitamins), for a stronger immune system and for healthier skin (Vitamin A).
• Fats in milk constitute essential fatty acids which are important for body cells, as long as they are taken in moderate quantities.

Ask the doctor: Is milk fattening?

Milk is not high in calories when it’s low fat or 0% fat. If you’re on a diet, concentrate on lowering the amount of fat within your diet. So, don’t remove milk totally from your diet, but choose low fat or 0% fat milk since it contains all the nutrients found in full cream milk except for the fat.

It is important to know that not all milks are the same. Fortifying milk with vitamins and minerals is a very delicate process, and the quality and quantity of the added nutrients have a direct effect on health.