It is a scientific fact that children who grow up with milk in their diet are healthier than those who don’t drink milk while growing up. In one form or another, milk is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Drinking milk is also good for adults, having been linked to maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of strokes and heart-related problems. Milk can also reduce the effects of a migraine, and the amount of cholesterol produced by the body to prevent artery blockages. And the proteins contained in milk help to rebuild muscles.
So how many glasses of milk should kids and adults drink? Here is a handy guide:
Ages 0 – 12 months
Breast milk is the gold standard and the first food your baby is going to consume. It contains nutrients, antibodies, and various other factors that help in their mental and physical development. It is also the most natural way of providing your baby with the nourishment they need to grow and develop. Nevertheless, in cases where mothers are unable to, or choose not to breastfeed, Kendamil Infant Formula can provide the best alternative for providing your baby with nutrition. Kendamil formula, available locally in grocery stores, is the only infant formula brand manufactured in Great Britain and uses British raw materials to formulate their premium recipe. They are made using full cream milk sourced from farms based in Cumbria and Lancashire, taking advantage of the area’s outstanding beauty and rich pasture. Click here to learn more about Kendamil Infant Formula.
Ages 1 – 2
You can offer your child whole cow’s milk after 1 year of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. At this age, they recommend limiting cow’s milk to 32 ounces, or 4 cups, per day.
Ages 2 to 8
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends children ages 2 to 3 consume at least 2 cups from the dairy group each day, and children ages 4 to 8 consume at least 2.5 cups from the dairy group on a daily basis.
Ages 9 and Older
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends children ages 9 and older and adults consume at least 3 cups from the dairy group each day. Active teenagers with high-calorie requirements of 3,000 calories or more may require 4 cups from the dairy group each day.
When it comes to milk, not all brands are alike. The tastiest and most nutritious milk comes from healthy, happy cows that spend their days in green pastures. That’s why a great choice is Organic Valley milk, produced with no added hormones, antibiotics, or toxic pesticides. Organic Valley Farms are pastoral, low-stress environments where animals have ample room to roam. The latest research shows that 100% grass-fed cows, out on pasture, eating grass like nature intended, produce milk that is 147% higher in omega-3—beneficial fats that promote brain health.
Here are three milk drinks the whole family will love, packed with lots of protein, calcium, and vitamin D and made with Organic Valley dairy products.
Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie
Ingredients:
Organic Valley Wholemilk Vanilla Yogurt
12-14 frozen strawberries (about 2 cups)
1 tbsp flax meal
1 sheet graham crackers, crushed
Organic Valley Cottage Cheese
Organic Valley Whole Milk
1 Cup ice
1/4 cup Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
Directions:
Add yogurt, cottage cheese, strawberries, milk, flax meal, and ice to a high-power blender. Blend until smooth.
Stir graham cracker crumbs into smoothie, reserving a pinch or two to sprinkle on top. Pour smoothie into glasses.
Optional: to whip cream, place ¼ cup heavy whipping cream in a small bowl. Whip with a hand mixer or by hand using a whisk until stiff peaks form.
If desired, top with whipped cream and remaining graham cracker crumbs.
Ultra-Filtered Chocolate Milk – this isn’t a recipe!
A favorite among the young and young-at-heart, chocolate milk in the fridge means good times ahead. And with Organic Valley’s Organic Chocolate, Ultra-Filtered Milk, it’s no different. The deeply rich, creamy milk starts with humanely raised cows and undergoes gentle filtering that removes lactose and sugar—and boosts protein and deliciousness.
Hot Pumpkin Spice Drink
Ingredients:
2 cups Organic Valley Milk
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (use more or less depending on your taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream – For the topping
Pumpkin spice – for sprinkling on top
Directions:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice on medium heat, until it is just about to boil, stirring frequently.
Pour into cups and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional pumpkin spice.
Organic Valley products are available in grocery stores island-wide.
For more information regarding Organic Valley, visit www.organicvalley.coop
