The Miracle of Milk
A child’s growth and milk has always been correlated and it is a known fact that milk consumption promotes growth in children. However, it is sometimes a challenge for mothers to ensure that their kids complete their glass of milk. Many kids don’t drink enough milk, which is unfortunate, because milk is a good source of many important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Milk comes with a huge package of nutrients that are especially important for bone health. People who don’t drink milk tend to be deficient in them.
The recommended allowance of milk varies according to the age group. A glass of milk alone can make a contribution to the daily recommended intake of many nutrients. Kids who are prone to be overweight or obese should opt for low fat or skimmed milk after the age of two.
Milk is essential to promote healthy child growth and development il taken according to the recommended allowance.
The consumption of milk has been a marker for an overall healthy diet because of its association with increased nutrient intake. You can enjoy the benefits of 16 essential nutrients that help nourish healthy bodies and minds. No other beverage naturally comes close. Children who drink milk daily have higher nutrients, such as calcium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B 12 and magnesium along with better overall nutritional status compared to those who don’t drink milk.
Choose To Go The ‘Milky Way’
Milk and dairy foods are considered to be one of the main food groups important for a healthy balanced diet. You can enjoy various benefits from drinking milk other than just strong bones. These benefits can also come from milk products such as butter, flavoured milk, cheese and cottage cheese.
Protein – helps build strong muscles and build antibodies to boost the immune system promoting strength. Milk also provides a combination of casein and whey protein.
Vitamin D – Milk is an excellent source of vitamin D that is essential for overall health. It helps boost immunity and is crucial for the body to absorb and use calcium to build strong bones.
Calcium — It is critical for healthy bones and teeth, but also involved in muscle functioning. For example, calcium contributes to a healthy heart beat. Calcium and phosphorous in combination are co-dependent for bone health and dairy is the rich source of the same.
Vitamin B 12 – Found naturally only in animal products, vitamin B 12 in milk is easily absorbed by the body and is important for healthy neurological functioning.
Zinc – Especially important for kids, zinc is essential for optimal growth and development as well as cognitive function and also improves immunity. Water – As milk contains 87 per cent water which is a good amount of water, drinking it helps keep the body hydrated for longer, It is mostly beneficial for children who are constantly active outdoors. Hence, having a glass of milk is a great resource for hydration.
Best Way to Consume Milk
Most milk available In the market is pasteurised. Though pasteurisation reduces the amount of some vitamins like vitamin C, it kills bacteria. However, raw or unpasteurised milk must not be consumed, as there may be an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness from pathogens (germs, bacteria, bugs).
Milk should not to be trusted as a complete diet; it’s a part of a healthy diet when combined with other food groups. Kids who do not like the taste of milk can consume it in various other forms like yogurt, milkshakes, flavoured milk, kheer, smoothies and cheese.
Kids who have dairy products as a regular part of their diet have better intake of nutrients than people who do not consume these.