SUSQUEHANNA CO., Pa. — It is easy for most to sit down and drink a glass of milk without even thinking about it, but why do we drink milk? How is it good for you? Why is it a necessary part of one’s diet? The answer to these questions are quite simple: milk contains 9 essential nutrients that everybody needs in their diet. These contain calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, niacin, and Vitamins A, D, and B12.
Milk contains high levels of calcium, which is crucial for building and sustaining strong bones— including teeth— as well as reducing the risk of health conditions such as osteoporosis. Potassium helps to reduce blood pressure, protecting one from strokes by regulating fluid balance and nerve signals. In coherence with calcium and Vitamin D, phosphorus helps build strong bones, while promoting healthy tissue growth. A person’s hair, nails, organs, muscles, etc. are all made up of protein, which also helps tissue growth and muscle building. Riboflavin and niacin is important as it— along with other nutrients — helps to turn food into energy. Vitamin D absorbs the calcium so it can be used, Vitamin A is used for growth in vision, healthy skin and the immune system, and Vitamin B-12 helps rebuild blood cells.
There is no nutritional difference between low-fat and whole milk. So whatever your personal preference, just remember all the benefits of drinking milk and to consume three servings a day!
–Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Kyleigh Jones
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