Growth is life, and growing is fun.  A fully developed body can give immense joy. But do you know that in order to grow  bigger and  better,  kids need the vital body-building fluid called milk. Milk is a must for nurturing a healthy body and strong teeth. More so because milk has plenty of calcium.  A white liquid secreted in the mammary glands of female cows, goats, sheep, and other livestock, milk is a highly nutritious food-- widely consumed either in its natural form or in milk-based dairy products such as CHEESE and BUTTER. 
 

Sources of Milk 

The most popularly used milk is cow's milk. In fact, most of us enjoy drinking cow's milk in its natural form. Milk from a variety of other domesticated animals like buffalo, goat, sheep, camel etc. is also edible. 
 

Composition of milk 

Milk contains 80% to 90%  water. The rest 10% are the major nutrients required by the body like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Cow milk contains 3.5% to 5% fat.  Milk also contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus which are in plenty and potassium, sodium, iodine  in traces.  It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, B, D, E and K. Carbohydrate acts as a sweetener and is a major source of energy. 

Hey kids! Do you Know? 

A cup of milk provides 300 mg of calcium while a cup of yoghurt gives 300- 400 mg and cottage cheese (Paneer) 75-150 mg. A litre of milk supplies as much calcium as 21 eggs. Milk products like butter contains 82% fat, cream contains 18% fat and whipped cream has 30% to 36% fat. 
 

Milk products 
 

• Ice cream, a popular frozen dessert, is made of milk, cream and flavouring agents. 
• When chilled cream is churned gently we get butter leaving buttermilk, which is a nutritious drink.  Yes, it is the same butter stolen by Lord Krishna.
• Yoghurt and cheese are fermented milk products. 
• Dried non-fat milk, condensed and evaporated milk (also known as milk powder). 
• Dried milk is made from skim or whole milk that is concentrated through vacuum evaporation.

Now, before your mouth starts watering, why not take your mom's help in trying out these recipes in your spare time. Here's an after-school activity for you. Take care. 

Making Fresh Paneer (cottage cheese) 
We require 

• Milk - 1 litre 
• Lemon - 1 
• Wet muslin cloth 

Milk is a complete food as it gives energy, helps in growth and prevents many diseases. It should be taken twice or thrice a day and a cup of milk mixed with honey, taken before going to sleep at night is very good for health. So, do not fuss over you share of milk. One glass of milk a day,  keeps illnesses away.