Role of dairy products in child health

It is very important to include dairy products in a child's diet as they provide a lot of health benefits. Learn about the immense health benefits which children can reap by consuming dairy products.

Dairy foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, cream etc. are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients. Yogurt is said to have more nutritional benefits than milk. It is prepared by fermentation of milk. Dairy foods are essential for the good health of kids and they form an important part of a complete balanced diet. Good amount of dairy products should be included in the diet of a kid. Read on to know more about the health benefits of dairy products for kids.

Healthy Bones

Calcium and phosphorous increases the bone density and mass. Milk and dairy products are rich in calcium and they should be given in adequate quantity to children for healthy development and maintenance of strong bones. Also, regular consumption of dairy products prevents the children from getting diseases like osteoporosis, which makes the bone brittle and weak at later stage of their lives.

Good Teeth

Dairy products are good for maintaining healthy and good teeth.  Casein is a protein, which is found in abundance in milk and which is good for preventing tooth decay. Milk can be given to kids in between meals. Calcium, present in yogurt, milk, cheese, and other dairy products, helps in preventing gum diseases.

Prevents Dehydration

A child can get dehydrated due to some illness or excessive sweating. Fluids in the form of milk keep your kids hydrated. Apart from re-hydrating the body, milk provides instant energy. Sodium and potassium present in milk restores the fluid balance in the body effectively. Buttermilk with a pinch of salt is a good rehydration drink and very good for children especially in very hot weather.

Controlling Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can affect young kids too, which can damage the heart, blood vessels, and other organs of their body. Potassium-rich food is required for controlling blood pressure. Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products provide the potassium, which is required for controlling high blood pressure. Bioactive peptides are type of proteins found in milk and they help controlling blood pressure.

Prevents Obesity in Children

Obesity can lead to heart disease. Obesity in children is one of the main health concerns in children nowadays, which is increasing at an alarming rate. Globally, it is found that one out of 10 school going children are obese.  It can however be controlled by proper intake of sufficient quantity of dairy foods. It is a wrong belief that dairy food makes a child fat.  Calcium present in dairy food helps in breaking down the body fat. Children who drink flavoured milk are less attracted to other sweetened drinks.

Stay Healthy the Dairy Way

Dairy products take care of the normal growth and development of your child. Children grow quickly and they need liberal serving of dairy food on a regular basis. During early stages of childhood when their bones and teeth are developing, it is very essential to give them plenty of calcium rich food. Milk is the best source of calcium. Till the age of 10 years, your children require calcium in adequate quantity.

For children who do not like milk or are lactose-intolerant, you may substitute with soy milk or buttermilk. You may try giving your children, chocolate milk, or other flavoured milk. Most children love cheese. Various forms of cheese in different flavours are easily available in the market.  You can make different types of snacks with cheese or even cheese sandwiches, which your children will love. Enjoy the benefits of dairy food with your children