Milk is the most nourishing of all foods and a favorite drink of people throughout the world. Milk has almost all the nutrients (nourishing substances) that human beings need for growth and good health. In addition, milk has most of these nutrients in large amounts and in such proportions that they can work as a team to help keep the body strong and healthy.
All female mammals produce milk to nourish their young. But when we think of milk, we generally think of the milk that comes from cows. Cows provide most of the milk used in the United States, Canada, and many other countries. In some parts of the world, however, other animals produce the main supply of milk. Goat milk is popular in parts of Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Camels provide milk in the desert lands of Arabia, central Asia, and northern Africa. Some South Americans drink llama milk. In Arctic regions, people get milk from reindeer. Sheep provide much of the milk in Greece, Iran, and Turkey. Water buffalo supply milk in Egypt, India, Pakistan, and many countries of Southeast Asia.
Butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and several other foods are made from milk. Milk
