Ingredient: Milk

The Miller household has gone back to doorstep milk deliveries, and we are enjoying organic, whole milk in proper glass bottles. There’s something quietly lovely about that clink on the step in the morning, but the real reason milk earns its place this week isn’t about nostalgia.

Most of us reach for milk thinking about calcium and bones, which is fair enough. But milk is also one of the UK’s main dietary sources of iodine, a mineral your thyroid relies on and one that’s surprisingly easy to fall short of. A glass or two a day quietly does that job for you, alongside complete protein (both casein and whey), B12, riboflavin and potassium.

We are fans of whole milk, particularly for children. Recent research suggests kids who drink whole milk tend to have a healthier body weight and better vitamin D levels than those on semi-skimmed, despite the extra calories. The natural fats help your body absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, and keep little ones fuller between meals.

Use milk in your porridge, milky chai, hot chocolate or a refreshing milkshake as well as your cup of tea or coffee.