5 things you need to know about your favorite breakfast milk (Sabong News)

Milk, for the longest time, has been part of our daily diet. When we were young, it provided us the essential nutrients to help our body grow, made breakfast time more enjoyable, and, most notably, gave us a great drink to match our favorite cookies or brownies. As we grow older, it continues to do the same. You’ve got to admit, a warm cup of milk is still the perfect drink whenever we find it hard to sleep. For years, milk has been an integral part of our dining. But if someone asked you about what goes into your glass, we bet that the only thing you can say is that it came from a cow. To help us uncover more of what makes this white liquid so special, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle chats with Katrina Marie Valle, brand manager of Alaska Fresh, as she shares the journey of the brand’s beloved fresh milk, from the farm to our table. It is general knowledge that milk is full of nutrients, but what does it really have. According to Katrina, milk contains high-quality protein that fuels energy. It also has minerals—calcium, phosphorous, potassium, and iodine—and Vitamins B2 (for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates), B12 (for keeping blood and nerve cells healthy), A (for vision, growth, cell division, and immunity), and D (for building and maintaining healthy bones). “These nutrients in milk have a lot of different functions, all contributing to a healthy and resilient body,” Katrina says. “The daily consumption of milk and milk products contributes significantly to the daily intake of these nutrients, to the prevention of deficiencies and consequently to a healthy diet.” Apart from the abovementioned, drinking milk can also help boost your cognitive functions. “This is supported by a recent study published in the International Dairy Journal. Researchers found that drinking at least one glass of milk with breakfast could boost your intake of crucial nutrients as well as positively impact brain health and mental performance,” Katrina explains. “Furthermore, studies show that getting the optimal amount of vitamins and nutrients from food alone is often unattainable, so getting help from sources such as ready-to-drink fresh milk is a great way to fill in the nutritional gaps.” Quality milk should come from quality sources. In Alaska Fresh’s case, it sources its product from FrieslandCampina’s European farms, which are known for its advanced and state-of-the-art milking equipment. “The products are also strictly inspected by a government organization called the Dutch Controlling Authority for Milk and Milk Products,” she says. “They ensure microbiological quality, hygiene, and composition, so you and your family only get the best quality ready-to-drink fresh milk.” The grass is where the process of milk begins that is why having cows feed with good greens is important. “When the quality of the grass is good, the milk produced is good,” Katrina stresses. “This is crucial because if the grass lacks the proper nutrients, the milk produced by the cows is affected.” Apart from what they eat, cows should also be treated well. According to her, the cows from where they source their milk are sheltered in barns that are kept at optimal temperatures. These cows spend some outdoors for exercise and are given clean water for drinking. To truly ensure milk’s freshness, time is important. Katrina mentions that the milk they get from their cows “is ready for delivery in just one day straight to the Friesland Campina factory!” “Alaska has been serving a wide scope of delicious, high-quality dairy, and dairy-based products to Filipino families for more than 50 years and has made it affordable for Filipinos, establishing itself as among the most trusted brands in the Philippines,” Katrina says. “Today, it has become a household name for many Filipinos. Its mission is focused on bringing affordable nutrition to each Filipino across all stages and events of their lives.” The brand’s products are available in all stores nationwide from sari-sari stores, small groceries, supermarkets, and on e-commerce platforms such as Lazada and Shopee.