7 Health Benefits Of Milk For Kids
As she is growing up, your little angel needs the right amount of calcium and protein for her development. And, milk is rich in both these essential nutrients. Little wonder that milk is one of the most wholesome and healthiest foods for kids.
So, if you are looking to introduce cow’s milk in your kid’s daily diet, or debating whether she should drink buffalo milk or goat milk or a milk substitute, you should consider reading our post here.
Below, we look at the health benefits of different sources of milk, and the right quantity should your kid drink!
Health Benefits Of Milk For Kids:
There are several health benefits of consuming milk for kids:
1. Supplies Calcium:
- Milk is one of the richest sources of calcium. And, Calcium protects the body from chronic ailments like arthritis, obesity, and low bone density.
- Calcium helps rid unwanted fat from your kid’s body and regulates healthy body weight.
- You kid’s body require a high supply of calcium for proper bone and muscle development. The mineral density of the human bone completely relies on the calcium content of the body.
- Kids need to get an adequate supply of calcium. Drinking milk can make their bones stronger and protects them from calcium deficiency.
2. Supplies Vitamin D:
- Milk contains Vitamin D, which enables your kid’s body to absorb the calcium and promote healthy bone development.
- Vitamin D improves the bone strength and reduces the risk of brittle bones in kids.
3. Healthy Bones:
- Milk is a rich source of calcium, which is good for developing strong bone structure in kids.
- Your little one can overcome complex bone ailments like osteoporosis by drinking a daily glass of milk.
- When your child suffers from calcium deficiency, she is at higher risk of experiencing bone fractures when injured.
4. Healthy Teeth:
- By encouraging your kid to drink milk regularly, you can boost her dental health.
- A regular intake of milk protects your kid’s enamel surface from acidic substances.
- Milk serves as an energy drink and is a better replacement for carbonated beverages. The soft drinks increase the risk of decayed teeth and weak gums in kids.
5. Promotes Heart Health:
- The right amount of calcium reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases in kids.
- Researchers conclude that daily consumption of milk reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and heart diseases.
- Magnesium and potassium present in milk serve as vasodilators that regulate the blood supply to the vital organs.
- The peptides present in milk inhibit the synthesis of ACEs, which otherwise would increase the blood pressure level.
6. Rehydration:
- Milk contains sufficient proportion of water molecules; that keep your kid’s body hydrated for a longer time span.
- When your kid undertakes strenuous physical activities like running, jumping or cycling, she can become dehydrated easily. Hence, having a glass of milk helps your kid restore the hydration levels.
7. Supplies Vital Minerals And Vitamins:
- Milk contains healthy vitamins and minerals, which keeps your little one active, healthy and strong.
- The vitamins and minerals present in milk are great for your kid’s eyesight.
- Carbohydrates present in milk supplies adequate energy and prevent your kid from feeling lethargic or tired.
- Milk provides protein, which helps in your kid’s body repair and growth (1).
Nutritional Importance Of Milk For Kids:
Here is a complete list of vital nutrients present in milk, which helps in improving your kid’s health conditions naturally:
1. Calcium:
It helps in building healthy bones and teeth in kids and developing the bone mass.
2. Protein:
Protein serves as the best source of energy. It also helps in building and repairing your kid’s muscle tissues.
3. Phosphorous:
It helps in strengthening the bones and generates the energy required to perform the basic activities.
4. Potassium:
It helps in maintaining a healthy blood pressure level and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
5. Vitamin D:
It helps in improving the bone density.
6. Vitamin B12:
It helps in maintaining the healthy red blood cells and nerve tissue.
7. Vitamin A:
The nutrient improves your kid’s normal vision and skin health. It also helps to boost the immune system.
8. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2):
It helps in converting the food into energy.
9. Niacin:
It helps in metabolizing the sugars and fatty acids in your kid’s body (2).
How Much Milk Should Your Kid Drink Regularly?
The amount (or glasses) of milk your kid should drink daily primarily depends on several factors like age, height and whether she is lactose intolerant or not. Here we have discussed the appropriate quantity of milk that an average kid should consume on a regular basis:
Ages 1 to 2:
- As your kid reaches the age of 1 year, you can eventually introduce cow’s milk in her diet plan.
- Kids of the age group 1 and 2 years need a high-fat diet for healthy brain development. At this age, you can make your kid drink 32 ounces, or 4 cups of milk daily.
Ages 2 to 8:
- Kids of the age group 2 to 3 years should drink at least 2 cups of milk every day.
- Kids of age group 4 to 8 years can consume 2.5 cups of milk or intake other dairy substitutes.
Can You Substitute Milk With Other Dairy Products?
Milk and other dairy products are rich sources of calcium, protein and vital nutrients that are necessary for your kid’s growth and brain development. When your kid does not like to drink milk, you can include other calcium-rich dairy products in her diet. It can include soy milk, cottage cheese, regular cheese, and yogurt.
Best Milk For Kids:
Although most of the parents think that their child should only drink cow’s milk. But there are different varieties of milk and dairy products available in the markets that are quite safe for kids.
Here is a complete list of different milk variation, which your kid can consume safely:
- Organic Milk
- Whole Milk
- Low-fat Cow’s Milk
- Goat’s Milk
- Almond Milk
- Soy Milk
- Evaporated Milk
- Condensed Milk
- Rice Milk
Does your kid drink milk regularly? Does she throw tantrums while drinking her glass of milk? Tell us here!
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