Drink milk for your child's growth and development. To get the benefits of drinking milk, some parents believe that the morning is the right time for children to drink milk, while others prefer night. So, is there the best time for children to drink milk? Better at morning or night, huh? Come on, find out through the following review.
Children drink milk in the morning, what is the impact on health?
Milk is one of the best drinks rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and so on. If the child drinks milk before the activity in the morning, this means that you have fulfilled your child's vitamin and mineral needs early.
A study from the Dairy Council of California shows that people who regularly drink milk at breakfast get more nutrients needed than people who rarely drink milk in the morning.
In one glass of milk there are eight grams of protein which acts to strengthen the child's bones, muscles, and immune system. In addition, the protein content in milk also makes the stomach in small feels full longer. So, if you routinely provide milk for your little one every morning, he won't get hungry easily until it's time for lunch.
Not only that, the good is gained, according to Frank Greer, M.D., chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics's Committee on Nutrition, the habit of children drinking milk in the morning can help smooth the nervous activity and brain of the child. This is beneficial for children to more easily absorb all the information around them and help their learning develop.
However, in addition to all the benefits that can be obtained from the habit of children drinking milk in the morning, you still need to be careful. You are not recommended to give milk before the main meal time. Because the protein and fat content in milk makes the child feel full so that it makes him lazy to eat.
In addition, children should drink milk indirectly after eating foods that contain iron, such as red meat or green vegetables. This is because iron can be inhibited by the absorption of milk in the body of the child. As a result, children are prone to anemia at the same time.
Then, what if the child drinks milk every night? What is the impact?
According to nutritionist Leona Victoria Djajadi, MND, the best time to drink milk is at night before going to bed. When your child sleeps, the body releases growth hormone faster so that calcium from milk can be used optimally in strengthening the child's bones.
Try to pay attention to your child's sleep patterns every night after regularly giving him milk before going to bed. You will find children sleep better and rarely wake up in the middle of the night.
This is because milk, especially warm milk, can help relax the muscles of the body of the child to become more relaxed and sound during sleep. Not only that, milk can also help smooth the child's digestive system, you know! So do not be surprised if later your child will more easily defecate in the morning.
On the other hand, allowing children to drink milk at night can also trigger sleep disorders in children, as reported by Livestrong. This happens when your child's nutritional intake tends to exceed the amount needed.
For example, children have enough to eat in one day, then you give an excessive portion of milk. For this reason, you need to keep an eye on your baby's milk portions according to their needs.
So, when is the best time for children to drink milk?
Maybe you are still considering when the right time for children to drink milk, between morning or evening. Basically, children drink milk in the morning or evening are equally good for their health, how come.
Actually, there is no inappropriate time for children to drink milk. Milk can almost be consumed anytime and does not have to be routine every day. Because, milk only acts as a complement to children's nutrition. Milk is not a super drink that can fulfill all the nutrients that your child needs.
So, the most important thing is to always meet the nutritional needs of children through balanced nutritious food. If it is not accompanied by providing balanced nutritious food and only giving milk, the child will experience malnutrition.
In the end, the consumption of milk in the morning or evening is as good for children's health as long as it is not excessive. Limit the recommended portion of milk per day and make sure your child gets healthy and nutritious food intake every day.