Babies drink milk exclusively well into the first year of their lives. It obviously provides them with the nutrition they need. The question is, should growing children continue drinking milk?
Milk has various benefits that aren’t just applicable for infants. Older children and even adults can gain a lot from drinking milk, even if they don’t drink as much as babies do.
Here are some of the ways growing children can benefit.
Build Up Calcium
Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential in the strengthening of bones and teeth. As children grow, they will need stores of calcium to aid in building their skeletal system.
Children need calcium even more than adults, because it affects their resistance to bone diseases like osteoporosis as they grow older.
Providing your body with sufficient calcium at a young age result in strong bones. Drinking milk is not just important for their current development, but their future health.
Good Eyesight
Vitamin A and zinc are important for maintaining good eyesight. Both of these nutrients can be found in milk.
Vitamin A produces melanin, which protects the cornea of the eye. Zinc helps with night vision as well as the prevention of cataracts.
Zinc is found throughout the eyes and also aids in bringing vitamin A to the eyes from the liver.
Healthy Nervous System
Vitamin B12 is another nutrient found in milk. It can do wonders for the nervous system, meaning it is not just good for children, but for adults as well.
It is so important for the body that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause peripheral neuropathy. Without treatment, it can cause permanent nerve damage.
Drinking milk will ensure your child gets their fair share of most of the essential nutrients without any sweat off your brow.
Muscle Repair
As mentioned before, milk is high in protein. This is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, help to repair and maintain muscle tissue. Protein is crucial for muscle development.
In addition to needing protein to grow bigger, growing children run around and play a lot which results in slight muscle tearing. This is not a serious issue but protein can solve it with no trouble.
Brain Development
Milk has been shown to help improve cognitive function and memory. This is one of the most important things you need to cultivate in a growing child.
Protein, vitamin D, potassium, and calcium are all important nutrients for optimal brain health.
The early years of life is when most of the long-term information is learnt and stored in our brain. If your child’s brain development is improved by drinking milk, it will benefit them for a lifetime.
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular health may not be at the top of your list of concerns, but healthy hearts equal a healthy child.
Among the nutrients found in milk that aid in this area are potassium, vitamin D, vitamin K and calcium. Together they work to regulate blood pressure and heartbeat among other things.
Preventing Obesity
Milk is a high-protein drink, and will leave your child feeling full. This means they are less likely to snack throughout the day.
Even though milk is high in fats and proteins, your child is still getting nutrients out of it compared to unhealthy junk food that they may be eating otherwise.
Substituting tid-bits for a glass of milk is much healthier and will help your child maintain a good body weight.
Keeping Hydrated
Last but not least, milk has been found to be even more hydrating than plain water. This is because it contains lactose, protein and fat.
All these substances help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
Even if your child is not drinking enough water, having milk during tea time or breakfast will help get them the hydration they need to be active and healthy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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