Pure milk has always been an indispensable source of nutrition on the table of many families, especially for growing children. Pure milk is rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, all of which are key nutrients for building strong bones and supporting overall development. Therefore, it is important to ensure that children are drinking high-quality milk.
However, there are many products on the market that claim to be "pure milk", but these products are not as nutritious as we think. In this seemingly clear ocean of milk, there are hidden "fake pure milk" that are not only much less nutritious than expected, but even waste our money in some cases.
Modulated milk
Prepared milk is a product that has added sugar, flavors, colours or other additives to milk. While they generally taste better and are more in line with the tastes of some consumers, these milks are usually less nutritious. Added sugars and flavors may pose long-term risks to your child's health, such as affecting dental health and increasing the risk of obesity.
Milk for breakfast
Breakfast milk is a popular drink that is usually aimed at people who need a quick and easy breakfast. Despite the name "breakfast milk", it may actually contain a lot of sugar and less pure milk. This drink is more of a flavored milk drink than a healthy option that provides complete nutrition.
Milk-containing beverages
Milk-containing beverages only need to contain a certain percentage of milk, which is usually very low. They may consist mainly of water, sugar, and added flavors, and actually contain very limited milk ingredients. The nutritional value of these beverages is much lower than that of real milk and often contains other ingredients that are not good for health.
When choosing milk for your child, it's crucial to choose a safe, nutritious product. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right milk for your child:
Check the ingredient list: Preference is given to milk with simple ingredients, the best option is to list only "milk" or "whole milk", "low-fat milk", "skim milk" with only ingredients. Avoid milk that contains high amounts of additives, sugars, flavors, or preservatives.
Choose whole milk: For most children, whole milk is the best choice because it provides natural fats and vitamins that are essential for their growth. Skim or low-fat milk is generally not recommended for children unless there is special medical advice.
Certification and labeling: Choosing certified organic milk ensures that the milk comes from cattle that have not been raised with hormones or antibiotics. Also, look for local or national quality assurance labels.
Consider lactose intolerance: If your child is lactose sensitive, consider choosing lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk. These products can help alleviate the discomfort caused by lactose ingestion.
Avoid flavored milk: While flavored milk, such as chocolate milk or strawberry milk, may be more appealing to children, they are often high in sugar. Try to get your child used to regular milk to reduce the extra sugar intake.
Guaranteed freshness: Check the production date and best before date of the milk to ensure that the milk you buy is fresh. After purchase, store the milk properly, keep it refrigerated, and be careful not to expose the milk to an excessively hot environment for too long.
When it comes to children's growth and development, it's important to choose the right milk. Good milk not only supports their bone health, but also promotes brain development, so we must be extra careful when choosing. Don't just be tempted by the fancy packaging or attractive price advertised, but read the ingredient list carefully to make sure you're buying a high-quality product.
So, the next time you buy milk at the supermarket or farmer's market, be sure to read the labels to see what's in each bottle of milk you buy. Let's make smart choices and make sure to invest in our children's health and future, not just save a few bucks. Make the right choice, let every drop of milk add points to the healthy growth of your child!