Milk and Yoghurt : Everything You Should Know
Milk and Yoghurt are two of the most consumed diary products by man. Their rich creamy taste complements the good amount of protein they contain. Everyone is aware of the benefits of the dairy products.
Milk is primarily secreted in the mammary glands of female mammals to feed their young immediately after birth up until they are able to eat staple foods. The milk of domesticated animals (mostly Cattle) however is an important source of food for man.
Yoghurt is made from milk. It is semi-fluid fermented food with a smooth texture and a slightly sour flavour due to a lactic acid (from milk fermentation) content.
How Milk came about
Consumption of milk from other animals dates back to as early as 9000 BC after man learned how to domesticate them. However, no one knows exactly how dairying (milking animals) came about. A popular frame of thought involves dairy animals being initially bred for meat, but further exploitation of the other benefits of these animals like their hide and labour may have led to testing the animal’s milk for consumption. By 5th century AD, cows and sheep were prized for their milk. By the 14th century however, cow milk became more popular than sheep’s or any other animal’s milk and has been… even till the present.
Louis Pasteur, a French microbiologist is credited with revolutionizing the safety of milk (pasteurization, 1862) and, in turn, the ability to store and distribute milk. Fresh milk has been commercialized since the discovery of pasteurization. Nowadays there are thousands of Milk brands all over the world. Different brands sweeten and flavour their milk however they want. A popular example in Nigeria is Hollandia milk
How Yoghurt came about
There are many stories about the discovery of yoghurt. The word ‘Yogurt’ comes from Turkey and refers to thick milk. However, the origin of yoghurt cannot be singularized to Turkey. Yoghurt can be found in every part of the world that has kept animals for milk, and it is very likely it was discovered in similar circumstances everywhere. Whatever its origin might be, the world is loving it because of the taste and the amazing health benefits of yoghurt.
When milk is left in a container with friendly bacteria, the milk thickens and develops a sour, yet pleasant taste (Yoghurt). From the fermentation which ensues, lactic acid is produced and it acts as a preservative, helping the “milk turned yoghurt” stay fresh for longer.
Just like milk, Yoghurt also became commercialized following its discovery. A prominent example of a Nigerian brand of yoghurt is Chi Hollandia Yoghurt. Chi Limited, already renowned for Hollandia milk, produce the highest quality milk, and it is only normal to expect the finest quality yoghurt from the quality of milk they produce. The variants of Hollandia yoghurt Nigeria include; Strawberry, Plain Sweetened, Pineapple Coconut, Pure and Plain, Green Apple and Orange.
Differences and similarities between Milk and Yoghurt
Milk and Yoghurt are quite interwoven, but are not the same, therefore they will have differences and similarities. The most obvious difference between milk and yoghurt is their observable appearance. While milk is thin and watery in nature, Yoghurt is thick and near-solid. Some of the other differences and similarities are stated below.
- Yoghurt is quite the all-purpose food, since that was what it was used for originally. However, it has been found to have many other uses. Some of the benefits of drinking yoghurt are to heal intestinal infections, reduce blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, heal yeast infections and prevents cavities. The goodness of yoghurt is also known to aid coughs and colds, treat indigestion, boost the immune system, improves digestion, keep the body hydrated and even protect the gums. Beauticians have also reported the dairy product as a natural moisturizer, adds brightness to the skin, one of the best remedies for skin problems, an excellent natural remedy for sunburns, exfoliates dead skin from body, fights pimples and acne, natural homemade facial mask, reduces blemishes and dark circles, reduces skin discoloration. As a hair product, yoghurt is a great remedy for itchy scalp, excellent conditioner and reduces dandruff.
- Like yoghurt, fresh milk is also quite multifunctional. Milk has been shown to build strong & healthy muscles, the presence of calcium in milk makes teeth and bones strong & healthy and even prevents cancer. Fresh milk is also a remedy for headache, remedy for stress & anxiety, boosts the immune system, improves digestion and keeps the body hydrated. Beauticians also fancy using fresh milk in their trade since it acts as a natural eye gel by treating puffy and swelling eyes. It also acts as a natural facial cleanser, natural moisturizer, best remedy for skin problems, cures and heals acne & acne scars, enhances complexion, excellent natural remedy for sunburns, exfoliates dead skin from body, gives glowing and flawless skin as well as lightens the skin tone. Milk is also a natural homemade facial mask, natural skin softener, removes dark circles, shrinks and tightens the pores, soothes skin irritation, treats fine lines and wrinkles and is used to remove makeup. Hair experts also love fresh milk since it is a natural hair detangler, best remedy for dry and rough hair, an excellent hair conditioner, stimulates hair growth, prevents balding, results in shiny hair and strengthens hair roots.
Nutritional differences between Milk and Yoghurt
Lactose, a major component of milk can sometimes be hard for individuals to digest. However, in the formation of yoghurt, the lactose becomes lactic acid due to fermentation. So, individuals with a lactose intolerant condition find it easier to ingest yoghurt than milk. This invariably means yoghurt is easier to consume for everyone than milk.
Yoghurt contains plenty of nutrients like calcium and potassium. Yoghurt is also a good source of protein, riboflavin, vitamin B-12 and is also rich in phosphorus and vitamin D.
Fresh milk is also a good source of Potassium, calcium, protein, phosphorus, including vitamins A and D.
Hollandia milk and yoghurt are the pick of the bunch in Nigeria. With their nutritional benefits and multipurpose abilities, they are a must have for every household. They come filled with all the nutrients and benefits of fresh milk and yoghurt.