Milk in Sweden

Milk creates life,
jobs and health
PLOP! A LARGE BROWNISH-GREEN cowpat hits the ground. A
feast for dung beetles, dor beetles and buzzing fl ies. Which in turn
becomes food for the wheatears and other small birds. The tramping
of milk cows in the meadow also makes it easier for new plants to
grow. Without the animals’ grazing, a few types of herbs and grass
would probably have taken over and su� ocated the rest.
While the cows are vital conservationists, they also provide jobs
for large numbers of people throughout the country. Over 50,000
people form links in the chain that stretches from the cows’ food to
the milk containers on store shelves. Directly or indirectly, milk provides
the livelihood of feed producers, dairy farmers, dairy employees,
transport workers and, to a certain degree, retailers.
Milk is not only delicious and fi lling – it is also nutritious. A halflitre
contains as many as 18 of the 22 nutrients. These include calcium
and vitamin d, which counteract osteoporosis. Another component
is the protein lactoferrin, which appears to be able to protect
against cancer and infections. According to the most recent research
fi ndings, milk has a positive e� ect on cardiovascular functions and
milk protein contains substances that help lower blood pressure.
Moreover, experts claim that those who consume low-fat milk products
fi nd it easier to control their weight.
In an international comparison, Swedish dairy companies are far
ahead in their development of foods with specifi c, health-promoting
properties – known as functional foods. These include edible fats that
contain cholesterol-lowering omega-3 fatty acids, yoghurts containing
lactic acid bacteria that soothe the stomach, and oat-based fruit
drinks.
The Swedish National Food Administration recommends that all
persons over the age of three consume fi ve decilitres of milk or the
equivalent amount of milk products every day, throughout their life.
As a milk-producing country, Sweden is a natural. Indeed, we do
have a strong dairy tradition – as both producers and consumers.
Come with us on an exciting journey into the world of milk. You may
discover that milk means more than you think.
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