A first-of-its-kind Milk Boiling Habits study that involved 2, 400 women across eight major cities has found that Chandigarh leads the pack, boiling milk more than three times a day. While, 84% of women surveyed in Kolkata always boiled milk for over five minutes. About 46% of women in Pune preferred to boil milk in high temperatures.
The study, conducted by Indian Medical Academy (IMA), on women aged between 25 and 40 in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh discovered that people are not following correct milk boiling practices.
"They are boiling and re-boiling milk on high flame for extended periods and that too without stirring it," the study says. About 49% of Indians boil milk more than thrice before consumption. Around 56% boil it for more than five minutes, and 73% do not stir it while boiling. Most Indians are not following the correct procedure in boiling milk. Chances are high that they may not be consuming quality milk," says Dr Pawan Gupta of IMA.
He added, "Boiling and re-boiling milk at high temperature for a long time affects the nutritional content of the milk, particularly the B group (B1, B2, B12) of vitamins. They evaporate as heat increases. Ideally, milk should be boiled not more than twice and not for more than two-three minutes."
Dr Gupta said, 300 women from each city were selected at random, and asked about their mild boiling practices. "Most women didn't know that boiling so many times and at high temperatures kills milk's nutritious value. The water soluble vitamins in milk evaporate each time it is boiled," he explained.
About 68% consumers are looking for a type of milk that doesn't need boiling and can be readily consumed.
Experts say proper boiling habits are essential, especially for vegetarians who depend on milk to provide the nutrition they need. Milk is a complete health drink and contains almost all nutrients except iron and vitamin C. It is a great source of protein that is needed for optimum growth and body repair. Besides, it is a good source of energy as it has milk sugar lactose.
The fat in milk harbours the fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and D. Vitamin A helps prevent poor vision and blindness. Bones benefit a lot from milk as it provides calcium, vitamin D. Calcium and phosphate together give structure and strength to the bones protecting against bone loss. Milk also contains riboflavin and vitamin B12, which help in energy production and proper nerve functioning, besides helping in production of red blood cells.
