World Milk Day – June 1st

World Milk Day is celebrated on 1st June across the world since 2001. The day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding the importance of the dairy sector and the activities related to it. The day is marked to recognize the power of milk as a global food that plays an important part in our diets as well as a source of income for millions around the world.

This year’s theme will focus on celebrating the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to nourish the world.

As mammals produce milk as a food source for their offspring, it contains lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, salts, minerals, vitamins – in other words, all healthy nutrients required by the body. It is an excellent source of nutrients, including protein and calcium, which help maintain muscle mass and bone health. Milk is also a great source of fluid and contains electrolytes such as potassium and sodium.

Mother’s milk is the first food of a child and it contributes to the healthy growth of bones and muscles. A 250 ml glass of milk, says FAO, can provide a 5- or 6-year-old 48 percent of their dietary protein requirement, 9 percent of calories, and key micro-nutrients like calcium, magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins.

History of Milk Day

The day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, which recognizes the importance of milk as a global food in 2001. Initially, a date in late May was proposed, but some countries like China already had a lot of events scheduled during that time. Finally, 1 June was zeroed in for the celebration. The UN decided on the date based on the fact that most nations were already holding their respective national commemorative days for milk around the same time.

People were herding cattle and drinking milk before they began engaging in agriculture over 11,000 years ago, making milk one of humanity’s first foods. Before then, milk was toxic to humans. In 2019, a team of scientists identified milk protein entombed in calcified dental plaque (calculus) on the teeth of prehistoric farmers from Britain. It shows that humans were consuming dairy products as early as 6,000 years ago. This could suggest they processed the raw milk into cheese, yogurt, or some other fermented product.

India is the largest producer of milk and accounts for 22 percent of global milk production? It is followed by the US, China, Pakistan, and Brazil.

Milk is called “food of the gods”

Many different cultures including Greeks, Romans, Celts, Egyptians, Sumerians, Mongolians, and Indians all incorporated milk in their foundational myths and legends and valued it as the “food of the gods.” The gods and the kings of ancient Sumer would drink milk to become strong and immortal.

In India, the status of milk goes far beyond input to diet, nutrition, or health and goes on to become a way of life with ceremonies and beliefs getting included in the usage of milk. There is a ritual of Shiv-Linga Abhishek in the process milk is poured on the Shiv Ling, which is a connotation of purifying one’s life and washing all the sins from oneself.

5 Health Benefits Of Drinking Milk

Bone Strength

Milk contributes to stronger bones and growth. It prevents osteoporosis in adults.

Muscle Power

Promotes muscle growth, heals muscle soreness, and replenishes fluid loss after a workout.

Healthy Skin

Two glasses of milk per day keep skin radiant, supple, and gorgeous.

Beats Stress

Milk at bedtime treats insomnia as tryptophan, a neurotransmitter in milk that converts into serotonin, the sleep hormone.

Soothes Tummy

Milk helps in treating acidity, especially cold milk provides instant relief.

How to Celebrate

World Milk Day is celebrated in many countries across the world. It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of milk and milk products. Events and activities held on the occasion are organized by health and agricultural organizations, milk producers, etc.

On this day Farmers, politicians, nutritionists, academics raise a glass of milk in a show of solidarity. If you share a story or photo about your devotion to milk, tag a friend or another farm Facebook page, and ask them to raise a glass of milk and pass it on. Use your social media channels to spread the message along with hashtags #WorldMilkDay & #EnjoyDairy.

On World Milk Day, everyone is encouraged to “raise a glass” to celebrate milk and the many contributions of the dairy industry. Whether with a milk product or a dairy alternative, celebrating World Milk Day can be loads of fun! For more information, visit worldmilkday.org.

Suggested Read: Important Days In June