Milk: A Healthy Drink for Every Age

Milk: A Healthy Drink for Every Age Milk and milk products are great sources of the 16 essential nutrients needed for normal growth and health maintenance. These include calcium, folate, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, potassium, proteins, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and zinc. Many adults and older children who believe that milk is only for little kids don't know that they are depriving themselves of the most reliable source of calcium, which their bodies also need. Drink the recommended number of servings of milk and milk products a day for your age group. If you find it difficult to down a glass of pure milk, find ways to incorporate milk products in your diet instead. Are you getting enough milk? Ensure that you and your kids get the recommended daily servings of milk or its alternatives. Age group recommended servings per day 3 to 8 years 2 9 to 18 years 3 to 4 19 to 50 years        2 51 years and up 3 Take note that adding milk to your coffee or eating a piece of milk chocolate is not enough to meet your daily requirements for calcium and other essential nutrients. Get a better idea how much a serving looks like by referring to the following examples. One serving of milk and milk products provides approximately 300 mg of calcium. Products Serving equivalent Amount Milk, 1%, 2%, skim, whole 1 portion 250 ml or 1 cup Chocolate milk 1 portion 250 ml or 1 cup Firm cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, feta) 1 portion 50 g or 1 ½ oz. Unflavored or flavored yogurt 1 portion 175 g or ¾ cup Yogurt drink 1 portion 200 ml Getting the right amount of milk and milk products everyday is now quick, easy and convenient. Simply check out the dairy section at the supermarket and see which products will agree with you and your whole family. Milk facts The word "daily" or "per day" is very important in milk consumption because the human body absorbs calcium poorly when calcium is only given in occasional and massive doses. Thus, it is wise to consume milk and its alternatives in adequate quantities every day. Milk is an important source of protein, energy and several other essential nutrients that kids as well as adults require. A teenager's body is continuously evolving and undergoing major changes caused by growth and hormonal fluctuation. These young people need to be encouraged to consume more fruits, veggies and milk products regularly. Consumption of sufficient milk and milk products is very important during the adult years, too. Otherwise, you may decrease your own bone density and put yourself at a greater risk for osteoporosis later in life.

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source: http://www.nestle.com.ph/recipe/nestleclub/default.asp?s=article&t=milk