Dairy month: Raise your glass to milk

By MiNDFOOD

Dairy month: Raise your glass to milk

Connecting people and dairy companies around the world to share stories about the goodness of milk – that’s the reasoning behind World Milk Day, celebrated annually on June 1. The Day honours the farmers who produce the milk, and those of us who enjoy it in our communities, schools and homes.

This marks the start of Dairy Month in June. Throughout the month, MiNDFOOD will share stories on the importance of dairy in a healthy, balanced diet.

Milk and healthy nutrition

According to a 2015 report published by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, New Zealand, cow’s milk has long been recognised as an important source of nutrients in our diets. “Milk is an important source of calcium and protein, but also provides carbohydrates, iodine, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, B2 and B12. Most milk sold in New Zealand is pasteurised to eliminate illness-causing microorganisms, and homogenised to prevent separation of cream and extend shelf life,” says the report.

Not getting enough? Here are a few simple ways to take in more dairy in your daily diet:

  • Start each day with a bowl of wholegrain cereal and cup of low-fat milk.
  • For a healthy tea-time snack, enjoy a bowl of fresh fruit and plain yoghurt.
  • Add a slice of white cheese to your sandwich.
  • Try smooth, low-fat cottage cheese with carrot slices and crackers for an afternoon pick-me-up.
  • Enjoy a bowl of frozen yoghurt for dessert – ideal for those of us who can’t resist an after-dinner treat.

Or simply enjoy a glass of warm or cold milk.

The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) was first asked to propose a specific day on which all aspects of milk could be celebrated back in 2001. Since then many countries across the world have participated in the celebrations with the number of events growing each year. According to the Global Dairy Platform, 256 events (and counting) have been organised for 2018.

Get involved by sharing your milk story online using #WorldMilkDay.

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