Nestlé Schools Journalists on the Benefits of Milk

Contrary to the axiom that “Milk is for babies”, Nestlé Ghana, one of the country’s finest producers of quality milk products has reiterated the need for individuals to incorporate Milk in their diet at all Stages of life.

Milk has been recognized as a natural source of calcium, magnesium, and high-quality protein―the very nutrients needed for the comprehensive development of an individual.

Speaking at a media workshop held in Accra, last Friday, to mark the World Milk Day, Dr Niilante Amissah, a Lecturer at the Department of Family and Consumer Science―University of Ghana emphasized that milk is not only for children.

“We should promote milk consumption throughout all stages of life and at each stage of life, one should consume the milk that is appropriate for them,” he said.

The doctor was however quick to add that, older persons take milk that contains less saturated fat― “consume reduced fat milk or skimmed milk or you can have filled milk which has replaced that of animal fat with vegetable oils.”

Incorporating milk in an elderly person’s diet would help reduce dental cavies as well as reduce the risk of obesity, heart diseases, stroke and osteoporosis, Dr Amissah revealed.

Inadequate intake of nutrients such as calcium imbedded in Milk may lead to fragile bones which may develop into fractures later in life, particularly in women, and stunting in children.

For those who may not like the taste of milk, have milk allergies or lactose intolerance, Dr Ammisah advised that they explore innovative ways of incorporating milk in their diet in order to get the health benefits.

To mitigate lactose intolerance, he advised that consumers increase the consumption of milk and dairy products gradually adding that “you can also mix the milk or diary with other foods including fermented milk product and yogurt which contains less lactose.”

Dr Amissah however recommended the intake of 250ml of milk which is equivalent to a glass every day for adults and even more for children.

Promoting Wellness

For over 60 years, Nestlé in Ghana has been unfailingly committed to addressing undernutrition through the micronutrient fortification of its products.

To continue with this, the company has come up with strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life and providing a wide range of highly nutritious dairy products available on the market.

According to the Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Mrs. Freda Duplan, her company has a responsibility to engage stakeholders and share nutrition knowledge to help them make better food choices for their growth and wellbeing.

“As a Nutrition Health and Wellness Company, sharing nutrition knowledge is of paramount importance to us. It is in fulfilment of our Purpose of ‘Enhancing Quality of Life and Contributing to a Healthier Future’.

“As we commemorate World Milk Day, I reaffirm Nestlé’s commitment to micronutrient fortification and our ambition to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030,” she said.

World Milk Day

Nestlé Ghana commemorated the day with Nutrition Workshop for the media under the theme “Good Food, Health and Nutrition – Realizing the Goodness of Milk at all Stages of life”.

Other highlights of the day were the ‘Milk Moustache’ and the ‘Milk Recipe Cooking Competition’.

The competition showcased how milk could be used in a main meal and that could be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Winners of the competition went home with hamper full of Nestlé, products, T-shirts and rice cookers.

By: Grace Ablewor Sogbey/ [email protected]