9 Most Important Nutrients in Milk

Nutrients in milk can definitely provide important health benefits, although cow’s milk is really best for baby cows.

All nutrients in milk should be considered for a balanced diet. Raw milk contains nutrients like:

1. Fats

2. Carbohydrates

3. Proteins

4. Vitamins

5. Minerals (except iron)

Here’s a list of the most important nutrients in milk that are available to everyone by just drinking a simple glass of milk (there are more healthy elements in a 230g glass of milk than you can imagine):

1. Proteins – 8 grams
2. Carbohydrates (lactose) – 11 grams
3. Fats (depending on the type of milk: nonfat or whole milk – from less than 1 gram to 8 grams)
4. Calcium – 0.3 grams (about 35% of the daily doze needed for children). Calcium is absorbed much better from milk than from other products because it contains also vitamin D (which boosts calcium absorption)
5. Vitamin B2 – a glass of milk contains 25% of the recommended daily doze for adults
6. Vitamin B12 – 30% of the recommended doze for children
7. Vitamin D – 25% of the recommended doze for adults
8. Vitamin A – 10% of the recommended doze for adults
9. Zinc – 10% of the recommended doze for children

Proteins are some of the most important elements in raw milk. Several types of proteins can be found only in milk, like caseins (80% of milk proteins). Caseins have an appropriate amino acid composition for growth and development of the young. Other proteins in milk include enzymes, proteins involved in transportation of nutrients, proteins involved in diseases resistance (antibodies) and other growth factors.

Including milk in your daily diet will boost your nutrients intake allowing you to stay healthy and to have a balanced diet. Bear in mind though that cold milk consumed with other products can negatively affect the digestion process.

Photo Credits:
No milk today… via photopin (license)