A question that interests not only children: why milk is white?

Two years ago I became a mother. My daughter breast-fed for forty minutes, or even longer. During the baby's lunch I was thinking about different issues. And thought ... Why white milk? All mammals, and there are at least 5400 of them on the planet, it has one shade. Although the composition, calorie and taste are completely different.

What influences the color of milk?

It contains casein. Casein is a complex protein that gives a white color. In addition, it is the main milk protein. He is referred to the group of phosphoroproteins. Casein creates micelles (round particles), here they are and determine the color of milk.

Composition of casein

Protein, which determines why white milk, and not some other, refers to full-fledged proteins. It contains more than 20 of the most important amino acids for the body. It is important to feed the baby with breast milk, because 8 of these 20 are irreplaceable and are contained exclusively in human milk. Artificial nutrition contains only a part of these important amino acids for the body, and the lack of the necessary components can lead to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

Why is milk white in some, while others have yellowish?

This affects not only food, but also beta-carotene, which is part of its composition. He also gives orange a pumpkin and carrots. An important property is that beta-carotene - a strong antioxidant, increases immunity.

The language of numbers

In women's milk casein contains 1.8%, in cow 4.8%, in whales - 10%, in reindeer - 12%, in rabbits - 15%. That is why milk is white in all mammals, and in white rabbits it is the whiteest.

What you need to eat young mother

For good health and good growth of the child, the best nutrition is breast milk. The amino acids and antioxidants included in its composition contribute to the strengthening and development of the child's immunity. Everything that a woman eats, goes into milk. The menu for breastfeeding should include only fresh and healthy food. It is also very important to take vitamins for nursing mothers, they will serve as an additional source of nutrients.

Strong bones and teeth need calcium. We get it by eating fish and dairy products. You can eat 2 times a week for 250 grams of cottage cheese and 300 grams of fish per pair (boiled, baked). Also, fish is a source of phosphorus, necessary for metabolism.

Zinc also plays an important role in the work of the body. It is found in fish, pumpkin seeds (but they can be several times a week only when the baby is 3 months old), fruits (young mothers can be eaten on a small green apple 1-3 times a week).

Vitamins for muscle growth - A, B, E, K. Vitamin A is found in beef, orange and red fruits, vegetables. 200-350 grams of boiled beef with a salad of red pepper and carrots will also serve as a source of iron. B vitamins are abundant in beef liver, potato, asparagus, egg yolk, milk, herbs. 300 grams of liver per couple, 2 yolks, 5-6 potatoes a week will provide the body with everything you need. Vitamin E is found in sunflower oil and nuts. A handful of walnuts and a tablespoon of sunflower oil (in salads) a week will be enough. Vitamin K is rich in all green vegetables, olive oil, eggs.

Vitamin F is necessary for the development of immunity, prevention of allergic diseases. It is found in oils, fish, avocado, black currant and dried fruits.