THE
foundation for a healthy adulthood starts during the childhood
years. During this time, most of the crucial building blocks of
our bodies are formed, and nutrition neglected at this point
will surface in the later years.
That’s why the habit of drinking milk should
be instilled in people early on. Milk is one of the most
nutritionally complete foods available, containing vitamins,
minerals and macro-nutrients that are important for growing
children.
Last year, a research by Dr. Nick Harvey of
the University of Southampton in the UK set out to find what
factors determine whether a child with lower bone mass at birth
catches up compared with other children in later life. The study
revealed that bone growth during the first few years of life can
have a strong influence on the onset of osteoporosis, or
weakening of the bones, later in life.
"We think that diet during childhood may make
a difference," explained Dr. Harvey as he presented his
findings. "In our study, catch up in bone mass compared with
other children in the group was associated with drinking more
milk in childhood."
Calcium needs are highest during the
childhood and teen years, because bones are growing fast then
and calcium must be added into bones to make them strong. Milk,
like other dairy products, is among the best sources of calcium
in our diet. It also contains vitamin D, which aids in the
absorption of calcium and enhances bone mineralization.
Several studies have linked adult
osteoporotic fractures to low milk consumption during childhood.
Children who avoid dairy products tend to have lower bone mass
and higher risk of bone fracture. Aside from its function in
bone growth, calcium has other roles in the body. Calcium from
milk strengthens your child’s teeth and keeps gum tissue
healthy. It also helps maintain a regular heart beat, blood
pressure and neural impulse transmission. Much like
antioxidants, calcium is involved proper blood clotting
mechanism and protects cell free from radical damage. But
calcium is just one of the many nutrients found in milk.
Milk, being a great source of protein,
promotes muscle growth. It also provides vitamin A, which helps
maintain normal vision, supports the integrity of the immune
system, and keeps the skin healthy as well.
In addition to its nutritional benefits,
increased milk consumption has also been linked to the reduced
risk of other adult health problems such type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, obesity, and even cancer.
So instead of giving them sodas that actually have little
nutrition value, give them milk instead. And by encouraging them
to drink milk, children start to learn the habit of making
healthy food choices that they would carry over into their adult
years.
