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| Benefits of Milk as a Child Nutrition |
From birth, children are encouraged to get milk intake, starting from breast milk that contains many nutrients and body resistance, to the introduction of whole milk type or whole milk that usually consumed from age 1-2 years.
Because fat in milk is needed for brain development of children.
Nutrition In Milk
In infancy, children must be given food intake with balanced nutrition. Equipping it with milking is also suggested by experts. It aims to maintain the child's immune system and help the process of growing up.Research shows that milk is beneficial in bone formation for the long term because milk is rich in calcium. Milk also provides carbohydrates as a source of energy that children need for their activities throughout the day.
In addition, there are several other nutrients contained in milk, among others:
Protein
Milk is one of the best sources of high-quality protein for growth and health. Type of protein is protein casein and whey. Casein protein is useful in improving mineral absorption, such as calcium and phosphorus, while whey protein is excellent for muscle growth and maintenance.
Milk fat
Milk fat is one of the most complex natural fats. In children, fat from milk helps grow flowers. Give the child milk as needed to support the child's growth without increasing the risk of obesity.
Vitamins and Minerals
Milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Among these are vitamin B12, calcium, riboflavin, and phosphorus. In addition, most dairy products are also enriched with a variety of other vitamins, including vitamins A and D.
Things to Look For in Giving Milk to Children
To support optimal growth, milk is an essential nutritional supplement for children. However, the amount of milk given should be adjusted to the age of the child, namely:- Approximately 480 ml or 2 cups of milk per day, for children aged 2 -3 years.
- About 600 ml or about 2-3 cups per day, for children aged 4-8 years.
- Approximately 720 ml or about 3 cups per day, for children aged 9 years and over.
There are various types of milk in the market based on the production process, including UHT (ultra high temperature) milk.
We recommend selecting fresh UHT milk with a long expiration date. Research shows, the closer to the date expired then the risk of milk has higher contamination.
The expiration period of milk can be ascertained through the label listed on the packaging.
In addition, generally on the packaging, there is also a label that gives information on the nutritional value contained in milk.
It is advisable to pay attention to the packaging of milk to be purchased, make sure it is made of a safe and intact material, this will help keep the milk quality in the packaging to keep it good and not easily exposed to air or dirt from around.
Note also the taste of milk drunk by the child. Unlike white milk, chocolate milk generally contains extra sugar. Each cup of chocolate milk, there is an additional sugar of about three teaspoons. Adjust the portion of sugar in children not exceeding 8 teaspoons per day.
In addition, note the salt content in milk. Do not add salt to milk for children to get a taste of savory milk. Salt intake in children should also be adjusted to the number of daily needs, and usually, salt is also obtained from food.
Adding salt to milk can cause salt intake in children to be excessive and can add thirst and hunger, thus increasing the risk of excess weight in children.
Give milk to the child as a nutritional supplement, according to the recommended portion. Choose milk with a guaranteed process of freshness and the taste of real milk.