A balanced diet provides good nourishment for children. Well nourished children grow up to be strong, healthy adults besides performing well at school. Their stamina and concentration level is also at optimum level. Their immune system is strengthened because of which they attend school regularly.
Milk is an important source of calcium. Drinking milk twice a day provides enough calcium for children to keep their bones and teeth in excellent health. The right quantity of milk consumed regularly keeps children healthy and they grow into strong adults.
How much milk do children need
Four year old children need 800 milligrams of calcium a day for the next four years. Nine year old children compulsorily need approximately 1300 milligrams of calcium a day for the next nine years. Up to two years of age children should be initially breastfed and then given whole milk that has iron fortified content. Later they should be given low fat milk to drink.
Nutrients in milk
100 grams of milk contains 5.2 grams of carbohydrates, 0.1gram of fats, 33 milligrams of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, 88 grams of water, 3.3 grams of protein, and 116 milligrams of calcium. The other minerals present in milk are iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium and potassium. Milk contains Vitamins A, B6, B12, D and K.
Why children need milk
- Milk is a crucial nutrient that helps toddlers and growing children grow normally as it helps strengthen maintain bone and teeth health.
- Early adolescence is a significant phase of growth; bones of adolescent girls is seen to develop 40 percent of its density during this period; girls who drink less milk get less calcium to strengthen bones and are thus more likely to have weaker skeletal system, become vulnerable to fractures and develop problems like osteoporosis later in life
- Studies have found that boys (and girls) who consume less milk or avoid milk, tend to have smaller skeletons, are shorter than average and lower bone density
- Milk contains not only calcium but is also a rich source for all other nutrients. It contains proteins that are composed of essential amino acids. One glass of milk contains almost 44% of the required daily Vitamin intake
- Milk contains magnesium and potassium, that help control high blood pressure
- Drinking a glass of milk is an effortless way for children to get a good balance of nutrients every day
- Milk helps keep obesity at bay because it provides balanced nutrition with a lesser number of calories.
Low fat milk for children
Children get the required amount of fats (and probably more!) from the various kinds of foods they eat during the day. Containing the fat content in the milk (of which they should ideally have two glasses a day), prevents them from putting on extra pounds. With obesity taking on epidemic proportions among the younger generation, it is important to give children more foods that provide them good health, energy and excellent nutrition, without heaping on the calories.
The importance of milk in children’s diet can never be underestimated. It is essential to help them grow normally into healthy and strong individuals. Milk helps build strong bones and teeth. Besides huge reserves of calcium, milk also contains carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. Children who drink two glasses of milk a day are healthier and perform better at school than those who avoid milk.