What You Should Know About Milk
Milk is an excellent calcium source, essential for bone health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming 3 cups of dairy per day. This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and fortified soy drinks. It also provides vitamin D, an essential nutrient for the body. In addition to providing a rich source of calcium, milk is a good source of vitamin D.
Pasteurization
Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria in milk without altering its taste or aroma. The process originated in the 18th century when the first attempts to pasteurize milk were made to preserve the drinks' shelf life. Its primary benefit is that it eliminates all bacteria, preventing milk-borne illnesses.
Pasteurization of milk is a relatively simple process that involves placing milk racks in a long trough filled with water. Steam is then used to heat the water to 75 C. Once the temperature reaches this temperature, a contact thermometer is used to shut off the steam. After the process, the milk is cooled to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. The results are then monitored by the dairy company and published every month.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance in milk is a common condition that causes digestive issues. Symptoms can appear 30 to 60 minutes after eating milk or dairy products. Some people experience vomiting and diarrhea. Others experience constipation and lower belly pain. The problem occurs when undigested lactose moves through the small intestine. The undigested lactose in the colon ferments, releasing short-chain fatty acids and causing gas and bloating. The symptoms may be mild or severe depending on how much lactose a person has eaten.
If a person has symptoms of lactose intolerance, they should visit a physician for a proper diagnosis. This condition cannot be cured but can be managed with dietary changes. A doctor can perform a hydrogen breath test to measure hydrogen levels in exhaled air.
Health benefits
Drinking milk regularly is an excellent way to keep your body healthy. Not only does it help your digestion and bone health, but it also helps prevent several diseases. Its nutrients are essential in nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, skin health, and immune system function. It can even reduce your risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
Milk is also an excellent source of calcium, which can help to prevent tooth decay and cavities. However, the body can only absorb calcium if it is fortified with vitamin D. It is essential to get adequate vitamin D from the sun. Drinking milk regularly can also help prevent osteoporosis and keep bones healthy.
Storage
Milk storage is a vital part of dairy production. It helps prevent milk from spoiling and reduces the growth of bacteria. It's also important to buy milk from reputable manufacturers. The packaging should display the manufacturing date and expiration date and provide contact details of the manufacturing facility. This way, you'll be able to track the milk's shelf life and maintain the freshness of your dairy products.
Milk should be stored at a temperature of forty or less. Non-dairy pints of milk should be kept at around forty degrees. The best place to store them is on the refrigerator's upper or middle shelves.
