What's in Milk?

Milk and dairy products play an important role in a healthy, balanced diet. They are rich sources of calcium, which is easily absorbed by the body.

But, isn’t milk full of fat?

Actually, depending on the type of milk you prefer, it only has a fat content of between 0.1% and 3.6%.

Whole milk – Blue Top - typically 3.6% fat content
Semi-skimmed – Green Top - between 1.5 & 1.8% fat content
Skimmed – Red Top - typically 0.1% fat content

Homogenised milk is identical in fat and nutrient content, but the process breaks up the fat globules in the milk, distributing them evenly throughout, so that the cream does not rise to the top. Most milks bought today have been homogenised.

So, what’s in milk?

Vitamin A	helps your eyes adjust to light changes and also helps keep your eyes, skin, and your mucous membranes moist.
Retinol	the purest and most active form of Vitamin A, it helps in the resurfacing and rejuvenating of skin, aiding a more clearer, more vibrant complexion.
Thiamin (B1)	helps process calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy. It keeps your mucous membranes healthy and is essential for your nervous system, cardiovascular and muscular function.
Riboflavin (B2)	helps process calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy. Also helps healthy skin and good vision.
Niacin (B3)	helps process calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy. Also helps the digestive system function and promotes a normal appetite and healthy skin and nerves.
Pantothenate Acid (B5)	helps process calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy. Essential for the production of cortisone by the adrenal glands, which helps the body cope with stress.
Vitamin B6	helps process calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy. Also helps brain function.
Folate (B9)	important for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is especially necessary during both pregnancy and infancy when cell growth is extremely rapid. Both adults and children need folate to make normal red blood cells and to prevent anaemia.
Vitamin B12	works with folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and also keeps your central nervous system healthy.
Vitamin C	helps to heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promote healthy gums and teeth and strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin E	acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralising free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing.
Iron	prevents anaemia and keeps your red blood cells healthy. It is an essential part of haemoglobin, a part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Biotin	necessary for the formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are used as fuels by the body. Also helps break down amino acids and carbohydrates in the body.
Calcium	absolutely necessary for healthy bones and teeth. Also helps you heart and nerves function properly and helps your blood to clot.
Potassium	balances water and acid in the blood and body tissue. Also important for building muscle and metobolising protein and carbohydrate.
Sodium	necessary to regulate your blood pressure and blood volume. Without sodium you won’t have any blood pressure at all.
Zinc	important to maintain your body’s immune system functioning. Also aids in cell growth and cell division and helps with wound healing. Also integral to your ability to taste and smell.
Carotene	dramatically boosts your immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Also helps improve vision and combat skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema.
Phosphorus	helps process calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy. It is essential for the process by which the body produces and stores energy, and helps with the formation of nucleic acids for cell division.
Chloride	helps process calories from carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy. Also helps maintains the body’s acid-base balance.
Iodine	required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and, consequently, for the regulation of metabolic activities of cells and for growth, especially for the brain during foetal and postnatal life.
Selenium	acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralising free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage.
Magnesium	aids the body’s absorbsion of calcium and also plays a key role in the strength and formation of bones and teeth. Also vital for maintaining a healthy heart and maintaining proper muscle function in keeping muscles properly relaxed.