Milking into health

Milk is essential for your child's growth. My relationship with milk only started when I first tried the Canadian 2% milk at my aunt's , wow, such creamy natural milk taste that suits my taste bud, and there the story begins..

The milky differences

There are a wide variety of milk out there, which one won the heart of the consumers? which one is over-rated by advertisement? but which one is the best? To my dismay, the price of milk is somehow over-priced in PJ(RM6/L) compared to in Canada, ($CA1.6 /L). Being a basic essential comfort food, how affordable would it be for a huge family, especially for those with meagre earnings?

Nutritional values is the first that matters.

-Whole milk, known as full cream milk has nothing added nor removed during its process. This is highly recommended for growing children for optimal development. Don't be afraid of fat.

Being one of the major macronutrients, it is actually a good source of energy and contains essential FA.

- Low fat milk, contains <1.5g of fat per 100ml of milk. Unless bounded by weight concern, lower fat product is not always "the choice". Therefore, not recommended for children.

- Skimmed milk, or fat-free milk is the most processed milk with removed fat contents, along the line, results in reduced level of fat-soluble vitamins eg. vit A,D,E,K. Not recommended for children as well.

- Formulated milk are usually in powdered forms, fortified with various nutrients, e.g. Vit A, B, E, calcium, Zinc, Iron and Mg. Familiar and well-known to us, other fortified nutrients also includes essential fatty acid (FA) e.g. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (AA) for better brain cells development, or prebiotic and probiotics for healthier immune/digestive system, as well as antioxidants e.g. lutein.

- Flavored milk, actually carries the same essential nutrients, but has additional flavors, which are sometimes children's choice due to better taste.

Milky Goodness- not only rich in Calcium, also comprise of important nutrients , e.g. protein, essential FA, pack with Vit A, D, B12, B2 and mineral Zinc, all needed for child's growth. One serving of milk (250mL / 1 cup) provides 36% of daily value of protein; 46% of calcium (based on RNI for children age 4-6).

It is indeed a complete food, rich with nutrients, and versatile too. To incorporate milk into daily life for your child's balanced diet , the following can be applied:

- Prepare milk the way your child likes it, e.g. cooking, smoothies, dipping etc and serving in temperatures they prefer. Note: For babies, it is not advisable to heat up milk with electrical appliances due to the existence of hot spot.

- Child may be more attracted with flavoured milk. On the other hand, different milk color may be interesting as well, try fruit- blending e.g. with dragonfruit (pinkish), banana (yellow), berries (purple), carrot (orange)

- Try other dairy products, e.g. yoghurt / yoghurt drinks, cheese.

- Add milk into common food e.g. cereals, pancakes, oatmeals, pudding, cake, waffles, mashed potatoes, cream soups

If drinking milk resulting from constant bloating/diarrhoea/stomach upset, please check with his paediatrician in case of lactose intolerance.

All in all, milk is full of natural goodness. Milk-ing into habit at an early age is beneficial and brings advantages.

This is adapted from The Star, Fit For Life, 7th Aug 2011.