Is Milk Really Important for Kids?

Hey, Do you like milk? Or do you force your kids to drink milk every day?

When it comes to what kids should eat, people often talk a lot about milk. They say it’s crucial for children’s growth because it has stuff like calcium that makes bones strong.

Well, well! Most of the Indian parents, including me, are one of them who want their kiddos to grow big with a large glass of milk. But like all kids, my daughter also gives twisting expressions when comes to the hot milk diet though she likes shakes and ice creams of milk like all other teenagers.

So, we parents struggle hard to convince our child to drink a single glass of milk but is it so important?

But is milk really that necessary for kids? Let’s find out.

Do Kids Need Milk?

Surprisingly, kids don’t need milk as much as we might think. Yes, milk has good things like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. But guess what? Other foods have these things too!

Getting Calcium from Other Foods:

Calcium is super important for strong bones and teeth. But you don’t have to drink milk to get it. There are plenty of other foods that have calcium. Things like leafy greens (think spinach or kale), some types of milk made from plants (like almond or soy milk), fortified orange juice, and even tofu can give you the calcium your body needs.

Vitamin D from Different Sources:

Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium and stay healthy. Milk has it, but so does something else: sunlight! Yep, just going outside and playing in the sun can give us the vitamin D we need. Plus, there are foods like fortified cereals and supplements that can help too.

Dealing with Food Allergies and Choices:

Some kids can’t drink milk because their bodies don’t like it. They might be lactose intolerant or have allergies. But that’s okay! There are lots of yummy dairy-free milk options like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Everyone’s different, so it’s cool to find what works best for you.

Eating a Variety of Foods:

Children should eat many different kinds of food to stay healthy. Instead of just drinking milk, parents can give them fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy or alternatives. Eating different foods helps kids get all the vitamins and minerals they need!

But one question that is irritating my mind now is why old people in our home always emphasize on drinking milk? The reason is explained here:

Older people often emphasize drinking milk because they grew up in a time when milk was heavily promoted as a vital part of a healthy diet for maintaining strong bones, particularly as people age and are at higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Milk was the only source of calcium that was present in abundance at that time.

This belief has been reinforced by decades of marketing campaigns and cultural norms promoting milk consumption. However, as nutritional science has evolved, we’ve learned that milk is not the only source of calcium and other essential nutrients. While it can still be a beneficial part of a balanced diet, especially for those who enjoy it and tolerate it well, it’s not a strict requirement for good health, particularly if individuals have dietary restrictions or preferences that make milk consumption difficult.

Ultimately, the emphasis on drinking milk among older generations may stem from tradition, cultural beliefs, and historical dietary guidelines rather than strict scientific necessity.

One more thing to be considered is the value of hot milk. Hot milk is often associated with comfort and relaxation, and while there may not be an exact substitute for its effects, there are alternative beverages and practices that can provide similar feelings of warmth and relaxation: 

•  Herbal teas
•   Warm beverages
• Warm almond milk or other plant-based milk alternatives
• Warm broth or soup
• Relaxation practices

 While hot milk has its unique qualities, exploring alternative beverages and relaxation practices can offer similar effects and contribute to feelings of warmth and comfort.

Conclusion:

So, is milk really necessary for kids? Not exactly. While milk has some good stuff in it, there are plenty of other foods that can give kids the same nutrients. What matters most is eating a balanced diet with lots of different foods. Whether it’s milk or something else, the goal is to ensure kids grow up strong and healthy!

Experimenting with different options can help individuals find what works best for them based on their preferences and dietary needs.

So, guys who hate hot milk glasses for them in Mama’s hand, just chill!