Giving milk to children every day: Benefits, risks, and the right quantity

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Drinking milk in winter is considered beneficial for people of all ages. Jaggery, dates, and saffron are also consumed with milk during the winter season. However, more emphasis is placed on feeding milk to children than to adults, as children age rapidly, and milk becomes essential for strengthening muscles and bones as they grow older. But should every child drink milk, and is it right to drink milk daily?

Every child is different. Their digestive abilities can vary. Therefore, don't force milk; first, understand their digestion. Ayurveda states that true nutrition comes from drinking the right milk, in the right quantity, and at the right time. First, let's understand why milk is essential.

Milk is essential for children's growing stage to strengthen their muscles, bones, increase their height, and strengthen their teeth. However, not every day is the same for children. Children's digestive system is affected very quickly, so it's not necessary to feed them milk every day.

Now the question arises as to when children should not be given milk. Children should not be given milk if they have frequent coughs, bloating, gas, upset stomach, or lack of appetite. These symptoms indicate that children are having difficulty digesting milk. Children's digestive power is weaker than that of adults, and the stomach has to work twice as hard to digest milk. It takes at least 2-3 hours to digest milk. In such situations, do not give milk to children.

Now it is also important to know how it is right to give milk to children. First, always give warm milk to children. Consuming warm milk reduces the problem of gas and bloating in the stomach and also keeps the body warm in winter. Second, do not give milk to children at night. The body is not able to move at night, due to which children may have difficulty in digesting milk. Third, do not give plain milk to children. Give milk mixed with saffron, turmeric or dry ginger. This will help children in digesting milk.