photo credit: lesliepear
Milk is definitely good for your child. It contains many essential nutrients for good health like calcium, vitamin D and protein. Calcium helps in strengthening the teeth and bones, in blood clotting, in regulating the heart’s rhythm and also in transmitting nerve impulses.
Our body obtains calcium through consumption of calcium rich food or by taking supplements. However, dairy products are the best source of calcium since they contain the highest concentration per serving of absorbable calcium. Vitamin D helps to maintain the correct optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus in our body and acts more like a hormone. Cow’s milk contains about 16.3% daily protein requirements per cup. In addition, it also provides a good source of potassium which is important for muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
Below are various terms associated with milk and what they mean:
• Skim milk – The fat content is very minimal, about 1% or below. Vitamins A and D have been added after the removal of the fat content to maintain the nutritional value.
• Full cream - The fat content is about 4% and is a good source of vitamins A and D.
• UHT – UHT stands for ultra-high-temperature-treated milk. This milk can be kept for longer periods.
• Low fat or reduced fat – The fat content is about half of that of full cream milk.
• Flavored – Flavors added like chocolate or strawberry makes the milk more palatable but the sugar content may also be high.
• Unpasteurized milk – Generally, most commercially available milk have been pasteurized which involves heating to remove bacterial. Hence, unpasteurized mil may contain harmful bacteria.
• Calcium-enriched – Additional calcium, about 420 – 450 g in a 250 ml glass has been added to the milk.