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Saturday, 12 July 2014

Milk - Some Facts

We boil the milk after we get the milk-packets.

From some days, I have been wondering whether it is safe to consume milk directly from the packets, without boiling. 

Most of us generally boil the milk properly before consumption. 

But, is it safe to consume unboiled milk? The packet states it's "Pasteurized", "Toned" & "Homogenized". 
Source: Google Images
How safe is the milk we drink?

Last year I had read a report in a leading paper that compared some brands of milk based on a research they had carried out. That report stated the amounts of adulteration/foreign particles present that was above the permissible limits. Needless to say, all this has severe health-implications.

It is sad that we do not know either the poisons/poisonous adulterants in what we are consuming or their present/future side-effects...

And this is not just true for Milk... the same story for other eatables including fruits & vegetables that are 'injected' with chemicals for quicker growth...

Recently in the papers, I read - "Having too much meat, milk and cheese ups cancer risk". This study links the consumption of milk with Cancer. It seems Cancer is prevalent more in milk & other dairy products-consuming Indians, than the milk-powder consuming Chinese. When the latter start the same intake, they too are at a higher risk...

I love dairy products like Milk, Curd, Paneer (Cottage-Cheese), Cheese... I love Milkshakes!

I have used unboiled milk packs to prepare milkshakes. 
"Have I done the right thing?" The niggling doubt made me turn to Google for the answers...

I found some facts that I wish to share.

I found these newspaper reports:

"stay clear off consuming milk-based beverages like cold coffees, milkshakes, Faloodas, etc. from small restaurants, juice stalls, etc. "
“The terms 'toned' and 'homogenised' refers to the milk quality and not hygiene”
"Does milk cause cancer? The culprit might be a growth factor in milk called betacellulin."

"According to experts, one should boil the milk correctly, or else opt for milk that does not require boiling.
The Right Way
Do not boil milk for extended period of time
Do not leave your milk out in the open after boiling; refrigerate it immediately
Do not heat milk repeatedly
Stir the milk while boiling
Do not use microwave-ovens to heat and re-heat milk
Use ultra high temperature milk that come in tetra packs. It guarantees both nutrition and convenience."

"Boiling affects many of these vital nutrients in your milk, depriving you of the nutrition they provide. Particularly vulnerable to destruction are the B group of vitamins."
"If you have to boil your milk, make sure that you do it correctly."


We need to take care of our nutrition & health. 

Milk is definitely an important part of our diet. 

Here's wishing everyone good health.

10 comments:

  1. for what so ever reason i hate drinking milk (mom still scolds a lot for this (during childhood scolding was replaced with beating )) :D .. so wasnt aware of these facts ..as never read anything on milk protein etc .. :D nice informative post at least for me :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Moms have a tough time taking care of the nutrition :) My Mom used to give us amazing milkshakes & Papa used to get those yummy Syrups that made milk such a treat!
      Thanks for reading & for your comment, Ankur :)

      Delete
  2. I had no clue .. I have a big Jug of milk early morning and it has continued since i was a kid back in the village .. not sure if i have been doing wrong..
    I do heat it in winters .. else i jsut drink :(



    Bikram's

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We mustn't drink the milk without boiling correctly, Bikram, unless it is from Tetra Pak.
      Milk is a wholesome food. Nice that you have continued your habit :)

      Delete
  3. After reading all these articles, my feelings of running back to my native open their feather.. Villages attract me, where need not be bothered about most of the harmful chemicals and pesticides...

    Very useful information you shared Anita.. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sindhu for reading :)
      But, we have to boil the milk no matter where we are... After reading these news-articles, I found some information that I previously had, was proved wrong...

      Delete
  4. Alas ,I guess most of us don't know these things !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now we know due to information sharing :) Knowledge is much needed!

      Delete
  5. What would be your next topic next week on your blog.,”‘*; What would be your next topic next week on your blog.,”‘*;

    ReplyDelete

Your words mean a lot to me.