Those whom milk is meant for

Dental experts recommend that sugary food and drinks should be limited to meal times and that non-cryogenic drink such as milk and water should be consumed between meals. However, milk does not just benefit young children’s teeth; unlike soft drinks, it also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that young children consume a nutritionally adequate […]

Dental experts recommend that sugary food and drinks should be limited to meal times and that non-cryogenic drink such as milk and water should be consumed between meals. However, milk does not just benefit young children’s teeth; unlike soft drinks, it also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that young children consume a nutritionally adequate diet. Children aged three and a half and four and a half years obtain at least one-fifth of their total intake of protein, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and iodine from milk. The only nutrient that is supplied to a greater extent from other beverages is vitamin C.  

Here are some health benefits of milk:

Bone health: Milk and dairy products are providers of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and protein which are all essential for healthy bone growth and development.  Adequate consumption of milk and dairy from early childhood and throughout life can help to make the bones strong and protect them against diseases like osteoporosis (a debilitating, brittle bone disorder) in later life.

Teeth: The amounts of calcium and phosphorous in milk and dairy products are also beneficial for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth. The most abundant protein in milk is casein and is protective as it forms a thin film on the enamel surface which prevents loss of calcium and phosphate from the enamel when the teeth are exposed to acids in the mouth.

In fact, dentists recommend that milk is the only safe drink to have between meals (except for water) as it has been shown not to cause tooth decay even in conditions perfect for damaging teeth!

Milk and blood pressure: An increasing number of studies suggest that consuming 2 portions of dairy each day, along with 5 portions of fruit and vegetables as part of a low salt diet can reduce high blood pressure in both adults and children.

Milk and cardiovascular disease: Several studies have linked milk and dairy consumption with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease.

A recent study found that those who drank the more milk had fewer heart attacks than those who had little or no milk in their diets.

This connection could be due to many factors in milk, but epidemiological studies have shown that higher intakes of calcium in particular are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

More specifically, studies have shown that high calcium intakes may reduce high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, and increase low levels of good cholesterol both of which are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Obesity: Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that people who consume milk and dairy foods are likely to be slimmer than those who do not.  

Studies have also shown that consumption of milk and dairy foods as part of a calorie controlled diet is associated with increased weight loss, particularly from the abdomen.

Type 2 diabetes: Studies suggest that regular consumption of low fat dairy products can help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, which has been a longstanding problem in adults, and is becoming increasingly common in children and adolescents.

A recent study revealed that those with the highest intakes of dairy had a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

It is thought that this effect may be due to the combined effects of many beneficial nutrients found within dairy foods including calcium and magnesium, or the fact that dairy foods have a low glycaemic index, which helps to control blood sugar levels.

Cancer: There is considerable evidence to suggest that milk has a protective effect on risk of both colorectal and breast cancer with increased intakes.

A recent study it was noticed that men who drank 1.5 glasses of milk per day or more, had 35% lower risk of the disease than those who had a low milk intake of less than 2 glasses per week.

Calcium and a naturally occurring fat in dairy products known as Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) have been suggested as protective components in colon cancer.

Hydration: In order to remain adequately hydrated, it is recommended that we consume 6-8 cups of fluid each day. If we become dehydrated, it can result in poor concentration and memory function and leave you feeling irritable and unwell. Milk is an excellent choice of fluid as it not only re-hydrates the body, but provides a host of beneficial nutrients and protects the teeth at the same time!

Re-hydration after exercise is particularly important to replace lost fluids and it is best done with a cup of water or warm milk.

So you too can enjoy the tremendous value of milk by starting to include it in your diet today.