Milk is a highly recommended drink for kids. It is especially important for vegetarians as it is an important source of nutrition.
Some of the benefits of milk include:
Vitamin D
While most nutrients might be obtained from various other foods or supplements, vitamin D is rare in vegetarian food sources apart from fortified milk. Vitamin D prevents neonatal rickets and underweight issues. Hence, it is vital for your kid to consume milk on a regular basis.
Rich in Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium and phosphorus intake is essential for kids to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Low calcium intake leads to osteomalacia in children or weak bones.
Phosphorus also plays a vital role in the growth, maintenance, and repair of the body’s tissues and cells. It also helps in the absorption of calcium in the bones along with vitamin D. So all you moms need to ensure you include milk or dairy in your child’s diet plan regularly.
Rich in Proteins
Adults should include milk in their child’s diet plan, as it’s a complete protein source. A normal child should consume about 750 ml of milk or an equivalent amount of dairy to meet their protein requirements.
Vitamin B
Milk contains water-soluble B vitamins.
B complex vitamins like B2 (riboflavin) acts as an antioxidant and helps convert food into energy. Whereas vitamin B12 is vital for neurological function, DNA production, and red blood cell development.
For vegetarians, milk is one of the most important sources of vitamin B12
Selenium
Milk is a good source of selenium. It contains about 8 mcg of selenium per cup.
Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant. It reduces the risk of certain cancers, helps fight infections, protects against heart disease, and prevents mental decline, thyroid issues, and asthmatic attacks.
Healthy Brain
Iodine is very important for brain development. Moreover, iodine is necessary for a strong nervous system.
Milk is one such good source of iodine. So include milk in your child’s diet plan and let your little one grow to be the smart one that he/she is!
Helps Stay Hydrated
Drinking milk is a great way for your kid to stay hydrated. It helps your kid stay energized even after an exhausting playtime or workout time.
The amount (or glasses) of milk your kid should drink daily primarily depends on several factors like age, height, and whether he/she is lactose intolerant or not.
So if you want to know how to introduce milk in your kid’s daily diet, or debating whether he/she should drink cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, or a milk substitute, consider contacting Kanupriya Khanna. One of the best child dieticians in Delhi –Kanupriya will recommend you the best nutrition plan for your kid, as per his/her needs.