Often hailed as nature’s gift to humanity, milk is a nutritional powerhouse that forms a crucial part of our diet from infancy to adulthood. This versatile liquid, more than just a beverage, symbolises nourishment. It is a key ingredient in our favourite dishes and a silent partner in our daily rituals, providing us with essential nutrients for a healthy life.
The Milk Facts
Milk is considered the universal drink as it is consumed around the world in different forms. We take milk from cows, buffaloes, camels, yaks, goats, horses, llamas, sheep, and reindeer.
World Milk Day is observed annually on June 1st.
Milk is said to be the nutritional powerhouse as it contains calcium, vitamins, protein, and vitamins.
Milk has been a part of human diets for over 10,000 years, dating back to the early domestication of animals during the Neolithic period. Milk is the only food produced by mammals to feed their young ones. Even ancient mythologies mention the usage of milk.
It is said that Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, maintained her youthfulness and beauty by bathing in donkey milk, and for her daily consumption, she used a herd of 700 donkeys.
Usually, raw milk taken from animals contains white blood cells and bacteria. After pasteurisation, the milk becomes ready for consumption, eliminating all white blood cells.
Cultured dairy products like yoghurt, kefir, and cheese involve fermentation, a process that enhances milk’s nutritional value and digestibility. The fermented dairy products are the perfect source of probiotics.
Milk is also available in powdered forms, known as milk powder, a white substance soluble in water.
The most recent data from 2021 indicates that India is the leading global producer of milk. Uttar Pradesh comes at the top of the milk-producing states in India.
In 1970, India witnessed the world’s most significant dairy development program, the ‘White Revolution,’ which was led by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Varghese Kurian.
Milk Symbolism
In ancient Egypt, milk symbolised purity. Cows were sacred animals associated with the goddess Hathor. She is often depicted as a cow or a woman with cow horns.
In India, milk is a part of religious traditions. Cow’s milk and milk products are used as offerings to deities and for various sacred rituals.
Ilk was a common element in ancient mythologies. For example, in Greek mythology, the Milky Way was said to be created from the milk of the goddess Hera. Similarly, Scandinavian mythology described the cosmic cow Audhumla, whose milk nourished the giant Ymir.
Milk and dairy products are frequently depicted in ancient art and iconography ( a collection of illustrations), highlighting their importance. Egyptian tomb paintings and Greek pottery include milking and dairy processing images.
