Why is World Milk Day celebrated?

At some point in time, we all must have heard that “Milk” makes a complete diet. It is necessary that we all include milk in one way or another, but mostly in its whole form in our life and our daily diet. Saying no to milk is saying no to nutrition. We must enjoy milk in many forms that it is found in, such as butter or cheese. One can relish it as ice cream or yoghourt. Well, you choose the form but definitely include it every single day. So today, we will discuss Milk Day. Yes, you heard it right, World Milk Day.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) first introduced World Milk Day in the year 2001 to recognise the importance of milk as a global food and to celebrate the dairy sector. World Milk Day has been celebrated every year on the 1st of June ever since. This is done to educate people about the importance of milk in their daily diet.

The world has observed World Milk Day ever since its establishment. The idea behind the special day is for everyone to know the importance of milk and to recognise it as a global food that needs to be at the forefront and to promote the dairy industry and dairy farming.

As milk contains valuable nutrients and offers a range and array of health benefits, World Milk Day recognizes the importance and the qualities of milk as a global food, this event honours the enthusiastic dedication of the dairy industry in feeding the populace. And that is why we celebrate Milk Day.

In India, Verghese Kurien was known as the “Father of the White Revolution.” He was a social entrepreneur, and his “billion-litre idea” for the “Operation Flood” made dairy farming India’s largest self-sustaining industry as well as the largest rural employment sector, which provides a third of all rural income.

Kurien, besides being known as the Father of the White Revolution, was also given the title ‘The Milkman of India’ because he created milk powder using buffalo milk when the world was still using milk in liquid form. For his contribution to the dairy industry in India, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan as well.

The sole purpose of World Milk Day is to promote milk consumption and other dairy products to highlight the nutritional values and health benefits. The day encourages people to incorporate dairy into their daily diet.

Mentioned below are a few health benefits of milk:

1. Milk improves bone health.
2. It helps individuals meet their dietary requirements.
3. Helps in reaching health and fitness goals.
4. Aids in healthy weight management.
5. It helps control and regulate the risk of diabetes.
6. It promotes holistic positive body health, especially heart health.
7. It lowers the risk of cognitive decline.

People often ask if it is good to drink milk daily. Well, milk has long been seen as an important source of calcium and other nutrients, particularly for children. Some researchers strongly suggest that most children and adults should make it a necessary part of a healthy diet, and hence, many schools have introduced beverages that contain milk in mid-day meals for students.

Here are some ways that drinking milk can improve your health:

1. Milk is power-packed with nutrients.
2. It is a good source of quality protein.
3. Milk benefits bone health.
4. It helps to eradicate malnutrition.
5. It prevents unhealthy weight gain.
6. Milk is a versatile ingredient.

Milk is a protein-rich source, containing 8 grams in just one cup. Milk is also a good and healthier snack choice to prevent children and adults from bingeing on junk food, which ultimately promotes a healthy weight in kids and adults. Milk tends to keep a person fuller for longer hours, thus avoiding unnecessary consumption of fatty and processed foods.

So one may ask why it is important that children know about World Milk Day. Childhood nutrition is a large topic of discussion, with many children being deprived of their daily nutritional requirements, while some kids are just fussy eaters. World Milk Day emphasises the significance of milk and dairy products that must be a part of children’s daily diet. It raises awareness about the role of milk in supporting proper developmental growth and overall nutrition during early childhood.

So, how do we celebrate World Milk Day? World Milk Day 2023: This day is usually celebrated by individuals and organisations worldwide on June 1 annually. Numerous gatherings, activities, seminars, and workshops are held all over the world to emphasise the significance of milk production and consumption. Many desserts and dishes that include milk or are milk-based are displayed and enjoyed during these gatherings. Families and communities come together and have a bake-off or a cooking competition that ultimately leads to proclaiming the sole purpose of World Milk Day.

The most important facts about the milk industry in India:

1. India produced 22% of the total world milk output every year.
2. Dairy is a source of livelihood for millions.
3. India’s focus on milk production is reflected in its livestock profile.
4. Climate extremes, fodder availability remain concerns for the industry.
5. Adulteration is not a major problem, says India’s food regulator.
6. India has the world’s largest dairy herd.

Here are some milk fun facts:

1. Milk is the source of all dairy products!
2. Milk is white because it contains casein which is a milk protein that is rich in calcium.
3. Milk is one of the world’s oldest foods.

Here are some tips on how to include kids in Milk Day with different milk products:

1. Make ice lollies. It is the easiest and the tastiest when it comes to milk products. Blend a child’s favourite fresh fruit with some milk, add a natural sweetener or honey, and freeze them in ice cream moulds. Fruity, milky, icy lollies make for a great snack during summertime. Kids will love it and consume it without a fit or a fuss.
2. Froth their milk. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate banana or vanilla milk for a different flavour. Add some ripe banana or strawberries to the Chocolate Milk to make a mixed flavour, blend it for a minute, and a frothy, healthy, yummy milkshake is ready for the kids. It is a great tip to keep them full and hydrated.
3. Add finely chopped raisins or dates, almonds, walnuts, pistachios to your child’s milk. Adding some candied dry fruits makes the milk taste better and more enjoyable. Dry fruits are nutrient-dense and add good amounts of fibre, vitamins, and minerals to the milk.

Also Read: Which nutrients help our muscle growth?

At EuroSchool, we encourage students to always maintain a healthy and balanced diet. We ensure students are completely aware of special days celebrated, such as the World Milk Day.