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Maria Baghdoyan
Doha
Milk plays a crucial role in our diet, and is the sole nutrition for newborns. Many of us know that milk is rich in calcium, which is vital for building and maintaining strong bones. However, milk also provides many other nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Iodine, Riboflavin, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Phosphorus, as well as high-quality proteins and carbohydrates.
You are never too old to gain the rewards of drinking milk and, when fortified, it ensures you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you love drinking milk, the good news is that you are doing your health a great favour.
So, why is it important to enjoy two glasses of fortified milk daily?
u9755? Milk fuels your body by providing you with a powerhouse of nutrients important for healthy bones and teeth
u9755? Milk fuels your mind by strengthening your mental performance, knowing that it is a source of hydration and, when it is fortified, it offers the essential vitamins and minerals needed to improve brain health and function
u9755? Milk fuels your morning by giving you an energy boost during breakfast time and mid-morning snack to keep you up and running between meals
u9755? Milk fuels your thirst as it's the second best source of rehydration after water!
Moreover, research shows consumption of milk, cheese and yogurt is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, as well as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and colorectal cancer. Consumption of dairy has been also linked with a healthy body weight, and has been shown to play an important role in improving physical performance.
People in the Middle East still have vitamin D deficiency at a rate of 86 percent. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right kind of fortified milk for you and your family. For adults, semi-skimmed, low fat skimmed or fat-free milk are ideal. Age-specialised growing-up milk is recommended for children aged 1 to 5 while fortified milk is good for children 5 and older.
Other types of milk include: soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. Among these milk alternatives, choose fortified versions whenever possible.
Young or old, it's never too late to enjoy the goodness of fortified milk. So make sure to always start your day with a glass, and end it on a milky note!
Maria Baghdoyan holds a bachelor's degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Sharjah. She is currently a Corporate Nutritionist at Nestl` Middle East. Baghdoyan is responsible for overseeing all Nutrition, Health and Wellness initiatives across a wide range of Nestl` divisions.
