Drink your milk! How many of us have heard this line as a child? So, why did our parents insist on this, and why is it important that our children drink up for as long as they possibly will? Let’s find out.
Babies need milk
Cow’s milk isn’t digested well by babies under 12 months, and it lacks essential nutrients supplied by breast milk and formula. So, if you can help it, hold off on introducing it at all costs until your baby is at least a year old. In the meantime, keep in mind that breast milk is best for your baby, and the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from illness.
Milk for toddlers
Until your child is two years old, breast milk or whole milk will be the best way to go. A young toddler needs fat for nerve and brain development. One possible exception is if your child happens to be gaining weight too quickly for his height. In this case, your pediatrician may recommend switching to low-fat milk before the age of two.
In most cases, you may switch to 1- or 2-percent milk at age of two to move your child closer to a diet with moderate amounts of fat and cholesterol. As long as your little one doesn’t have a weight problem, he or she can drink 1 or 2 percent indefinitely, rather than switching to skim. Kids need fat in milk for nerve development for many years.
Helps in building stronger bones
Studies have revealed that three factors determine strong bones: genetics, physical activity, and calcium. Milk, incidentally, is the number one source of calcium.
Milk is also fortified with vitamin D, another important player in bone health, and it has other vital nutrients, including protein, phosphorous, vitamin A and some B vitamins.
Is there such a thing as too much milk?
In addition to the extra calories, too much milk can fill kids up, increasing the likelihood that they forgo other nutrient-rich foods. So limit your child to the recommended servings per day and make sure he gets a wide variety of nutritious foods.
For healthy, strong teeth
Encouraging young children to drink milk will result in great dental health. Milk protects the enamel surface against acidic substances. Drinking milk for energy and good health with help children reduce the consumption of soft drinks, thus reducing the risk of decayed teeth and weak gums.
Milk and a young child’s weightSome studies have shown that the more dairy foods young kids consume, the less body fat they put on overtime. Yet a recent Harvard study found that young children who drank more than three servings of milk a day gained more weight over a period of 12 months.
All in a bottle/cup of milk
Calcium
Milk is an excellent source of calcium for the human body. Calcium protects our bodies from bone loss, obesity in children, and aids in losing unwanted fats. It is essential to get the recommended amount of daily calcium intake in order to maintain strong bones and health benefits and prevent future health risks due to lack of calcium.
Vitamin D
This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. Therefore, almost all milk is now fortified with appropriate amounts of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps bone strength by promoting bone growth and reducing the risk of brittle bones. It also reduces inflammation and increases immune function.
But my toddler hates milk!
While there aren’t many foods that offer the same package of nutrients as a wholesome cup of milk, there are still other sources of calcium. Besides other dairy foods, fortified orange juice, fortified tofu, white beans, and broccoli, some cereals and cereal bars are fortified with calcium too. Before you give up on milk, though, try offering flavored milk instead.
Rehydration
Milk contains a good amount of water molecules so it helps keep bodies hydrated. Especially for children who are constantly active and running around it is important to stay hydrated. Therefore having a glass of milk is a great resource for hydration.
Multi nutrients in a go!
Milk contains vitamins and minerals to keep you fit, healthy, and strong. These vitamins and minerals are good for eyesight, carbohydrates that increase energy and protein for body repair and growth.
