Drink

DRINK: 2 glasses of milk a day

Dairy consumption is vital for a balanced nutrition

Having sufficient nutritional intake is essential to provide children with energy that helps them grow and learn happily! Yet, how can we get sufficient nutrition? The key is to maintain a balanced diet. Apart from having cereal grains, fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and beans, dairy products are also indispensable as they are the richest sources of calcium and thus, are of paramount importance for children’s development.

Recommended dairy intake

According to the Hong Kong Department of Health, it is recommended that children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years old should consume two servings of dairy products daily. Adults should consume 1-2 servings of dairy products daily. One serving of dairy products is equivalent to:

1 glass (240 mL) of milk
1 small box (150 g) of low-fat plain yogurt
2 slices of low-fat cheese

Milk provides five important nutrients:

Milk is considered as nutrient-rich food, it comprises of five important nutrients including:

Protein
- Facilitates cell growth and muscle development
- Maintains a strong body
- Protein in milk is more easily absorbed by the body than that in meat, fish, fruit and vegetables,etc.
Calcium
- Aids in the development of strong bones and teeth
- Calcium and Phosphorous combine to form calcium phosphate to improve bone density, and prevent fractures or hunchback
Phosphorus
- Helps in the strengthening of bones and teeth
- Helps the body to release energy for cell functions
Vitamin A
- Aids in the maintenance of vision and the health of the skin and mucous membranes
Vitamin D
- Enhances calcium and phosphorus absorption