Raise a glass to celebrate World Milk Day
Milk lovers from across the globe will be raising a pinta this Sunday (June 1st ) to celebrate the nutritional benefits of the white stuff on World Milk Day.
Milk lovers from across the globe will be raising a pinta this Sunday (June 1) to celebrate the nutritional benefits of the white stuff on World Milk Day.
Since 2001 when the first World Milk Day was proposed by FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations), June 1st has become the day on which all aspects of milk, from its nutritional aspects to recipes, cosmetic uses and even its artistic values, are celebrated in many countries across the planet.
The importance of milk as a food and as an economic resource cannot be overestimated. Historically it has formed an important part of the diets in all civilisations and continues to play a crucial role in the economies of many poor regions around the world.
Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK said: “It is time we recognised that milk and dairy products are important foods in a healthy diet and provide many important nutrients at an affordable cost to all, which allows the survival of millions of people in the world.
“Every year, billions of people across the world enjoy the taste and nutrition of milk and this year there is a proposal for the white stuff’s status to be recognised by Unesco. With more than 30 countries participating in World Milk Day – and that number growing steadily each year – Sunday sees the ideal day for milk to steal the limelight.”
Although many of us Brits use milk daily, in our tea and on our cereals, how much do we really know about it?
Here are some fascinating facts about milk.
- DID YOU KNOW? – Milk contributes to 20% of calcium intake in the diets of UK adults and 30% in children aged 4-10 years old.For our body to use the same amount of calcium as that obtained from a glass of milk, we would have to eat 63 Brussels sprouts!
- THE ART OF MILK – Milk has appeared in works of art throughout history and for the old Dutch masters it often had a faintly “suggestive” feeling. The Dutch word “melken” means ‘to attract’ or ‘lure’ and the combination of milk and milkmaids was a common theme in 16th century Dutch art. Vermeer’s milkmaid is the most famous example. In contemporary art, Australian artist Alexander J.E Bradlley celebrates the beauty of milk and the shapes it forms when thrown, in his photographic series “Le Grand Spectacle du Lait” .Nowadays there is an increasing trend for milk frothing or cappuccino art! There are even competitions!
- MILK IN SPORTS – Research suggests that a glass of semi skimmed milk after exercise is an excellent way to restore body fluids and minerals lost during a workout.Another study found that drinking milk after cycling sessions helped to maintain energy, improved muscle mass and decreased body fat, more effectively than a carbohydrate based sport drink.
