How Does Milk Benefits Kids?

Published Date : 23^rd November 2017

Milk is widely considered to be an essential food, and has been regarded as such in cultures around the world through the generations. It provides nutrients necessary for the healthy growth of children. But do you know how these nutrients actually benefit their body?

Strengthen Bones

Milk contains many nutrients necessary for building strong bones in childhood, and maintaining them during adulthood.

Protein, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K are needed for maintenance and repairing of bones. Studies indicate that the intake of Magnesium, and the amount absorbed, were key predictors of bone development in children and adolescents. With the exception of Vitamin D, the rest are present in significant amounts in milk.

Children who consume adequate amount of milk can avoid bone health problems in adult life like osteoporosis - a condition in which the bones become weak, porous and susceptible to breakage.

Promotes Oral Health

Due to numerous proteins present in milk, it has been proved to be good for oral health. Many studies suggest that its consumption prevents tooth decay. Tooth remineralisation, the suppression of bacterial colonisation, and slowing down of development of dental plaque – which is known to cause tooth decay and gum disease – can be attributed to proteins found in milk.

Reduces The Risk Of Childhood Obesity

Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of high-quality protein and essential amino acids, thus helping maintain active muscle mass for weight loss and weight maintenance. Increasing evidence suggests that fermented dairy products – like cheese and yoghurt – are associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, too. Children with the highest dairy intake are 38% less likely to be obese compared to those in the lowest dairy intake group according to research. An extra serving of dairy serving per day was associated with 0.65% lower body fat and a 13% lower risk of being overweight or obese.

Milk As A Complete Food

Milk is a complex and complete food containing an array of essential nutrients that contribute toward a healthy, balanced diet. Hence, children who consume milk on a daily basis have a health advantage over those who don’t.

The aforementioned points make it abundantly clear that milk plays a very important, almost irreplaceable role in a child’s healthy growth. Parents should therefore ensure that milk and dairy forms a key part of their child’s regular diet. They can also add milk supplements to provide additional nutrition and enhance the taste as well as nutritional quality of milk.