Whole Milk Nutrition Facts

Whole milk is the purest form of milk, also known as full cream milk from which no constituent nutrient has been removed. While whole milk is not a popular option in a fitness obsessed world, due to the high amount of calories in it, it is the best option for toddlers and kids who are rejecting toddler formulas or are not being nursed by their mothers. Nutritious and healthy, whole milk provides infants with extra strength due to the amount of calcium and fat in it. Also the calorie content in milk helps in the development of the child. It also scores more on the taste factor, since it undergoes only basic processing. In this article, we tell you more about the nutrient content of whole milk.

Nutrition in Whole Milk

Most of us, as kids, were forced to gulp down a glass of milk before leaving for school. This was something we had no control over and even our pleas that we were lactose intolerant (once we got to know that there was such a condition) fell on deaf ears. Once we grow up though and one we know how important consumption of milk is for our body, we consume it in the different forms available to us; with our cereal, as a shake, or even in the form of dairy products like yogurt. The table given below gives us the nutritional content in a cup or 244 grams of whole milk.

Nutrients	Unit of Measurement	Content
Calories	Cal	150
Total fat	Grams	8.2
Saturated fat	Grams	5.1
Monounsaturated fat	Grams	2.4
Polyunsaturated fat	Grams	0.3
Dietary fiber	Grams	0
Protein	Grams	8
Sugar	Grams	13
Cholesterol	Milligrams	33
Sodium	Milligrams	120
Vitamin A	RE	76
Vitamin D	Micrograms	2.4
Riboflavin	Milligrams	0.4
Vitamin B12	Micrograms	0.9
Calcium	Milligrams	290
Phosphorus	Milligrams	228

Milk is a very good source of calcium and vitamin D. This high amount of calcium and vitamin D helps in promoting strong bones and preventing diseases like osteoporosis. It is also a good source of vitamin K, which is another nutrient that is essential for healthy bones. Whole milk is also rich in vitamin B12 and riboflavin that are important for good cardiovascular health and also production of energy that the body needs for its functioning. Vitamin A, which is another essential nutrient that is obtained from milk is important for proper functioning of the immune system. One of the important benefits of whole milk is that including it in your diet can actually reduce the risk of metabolic disorders as the conjugated linolenic acid, a beneficial fatty acid that is found in milk actually improves insulin action and reduces the levels of blood glucose. Studies suggest that this fatty acid may be helpful in fighting certain types of cancer and also help reduce cholesterol in the body. There is whole debate on the benefits of skim milk as compared to the benefits whole milk with people on both sides arguing the goodness of these two types of milk. But studies have shown that there may be a connection between consumption of low fat milk and reduction in the risk of suffering from diseases like arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease or conditions like obesity.

People consuming skimmed milk lead a healthier lifestyle and benefit from the different nutrients that skimmed milk provides. On the other hand there are studies that indicate that women who drink whole milk increase their fertility, while those who consume low fat milk maybe actually be causing an inverse effect on their fertility. Depending on the type of milk you drink, the content of fat differs. While cow's milk is known to be high in fat, goat's milk has a comparatively lower fat content.

These were just some quick facts about the nutritional content of whole milk. Milk, whether whole or skimmed, should be an integral part of your diet, as it is one of the most nutritious food items to consume. In case you are lactose intolerant, then you can use pills like lactase to increase your tolerance to dairy products.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of an expert.