Health Articles

Milk : Across All Ages
If we are to gauge by advertisements alone, then the only people who need to drink milk on a regular basis are the following: babies and toddlers, pregnant women, elderly women and adults who are often on the go. But the truth is, the benefits of milk apply to not just those who are often targeted in advertising but everyone else on the spectrum of life.

Every cell in our bodies requires calcium, which is stored in our bones. When our bodies don’t get enough calcium from the food that we eat, such as collard greens and broccoli, the needed calcium will be taken from our bones. This weakens our bones and to prevent that from happening, everyone should drink milk to ensure we get the necessary amounts of calcium. But the benefits of milk don’t end with calcium. Among others, milk also contains proteins, which are vital for nerve function, muscle contraction and blood clotting. As children, we were always told to drink milk so that we can grow to be stronger and taller. Calcium is especially important for children between the ages of
10 to 18 for they are at the bone forming stage of their lives. When our bodies create new bone tissue, a framework of collagen is first established. Then, tiny bits of calcium from our blood move to fill in the gaps between the collagen framework. Working hand in hand, calcium and collagen help to make bones strong and flexible.

At this stage, children often need at least 1000mg of calcium daily. This is 200mg more than what is required for adults because children are often more active than adults are. They walk, run and play football, which make bones work against the pull of gravity. These weight-bearing physical activities help to stimulate new bone tissue to form, thus making them stronger. Weight-bearing physical activities also make muscles stronger and in turn, muscles help to make bones stronger when they push and tug against bones.
As for adults, 800mg of calcium is what doctors recommend for their daily intake. This helps to slow down the natural loss of bone mass as we grow older, which reduces the incidences of fractures and osteoporosis.

Milk is especially important for women who are pregnant. Studies have shown that babies of mothers who drank milk during pregnancy weighed more than those who didn’t. Moreover, women’s nutritional needs are increased during pregnancy and lactation so drinking milk helps to ensure that both the mother and child’s nutritional needs are fulfilled.

As we move into our golden years, we become more susceptible to osteoporosis. This is an ailment that afflicts both men and women. A good diet encompassing the recommended dosage of calcium will ensure that the illness is held at bay. The many minerals found in milk will also help to protect the elderly against illness, and speed up recovery. This way, we can feel healthier and stay active for longer.