White Or Chocolate? Milk Is A Good Source Of Nutrition

Milk is a great source of dairy as well as calcium.  Milk provides tons of vitamins, is a good protein source, and can even help replenish the body after a workout.  It can sometimes be hard to get our kids to drink enough white milk.  Is chocolate milk a good alternative?  

Health Benefits Of Milk

Chocolate milk provides as many nutrients as white milk.  One cup of chocolate milk can provide protein, carbohydrates, sugar, fat, calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, potassium, zinc, selenium, iodine, magnesium, and vitamins A, B1, B6, B12. 

Milk is sometimes referred to as a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids.  It is a great protein source. 

It has been shown that milk after workouts can help replenish fluid and electrolytes for good hydration. 

Also it can be a great carbohydrate source to replenish energy. 

The chocolate in the milk actually helps boost carbohydrate supply within the body. 

With it being a good source of calcium, it is a good source for healthy bone growth. 

Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more and more common in children.  Two glasses of milk can get your daily value of vitamin D.  

Milk Complications

Chocolate milk can be tastier for children, allowing them to want to drink it.  Though some people think since it has so much added sugar it shouldn’t be an approved beverage to consume daily, instead it should be a sweet treat only consumed on occasion.  With so much added sugar it can add too much sugar into someone’s diet.  A diet high in sugar can lead to acne, dental caries, and increased risk of depression. 

Chocolate milk like regular white milk contains lactose.  Some people suffer from lactose intolerance where they can’t digest lactose.  Lactose intolerance can cause stomach cramping, diarrhea, and excess gas.  There are chocolate milk options that are lactose free.  

Milk an Easy Nutrition Packed Choice

Chocolate milk is so readily available anymore that it can be an easy choice for your children.  It is usually also provided in school cafeterias.  Though some schools are trying to get it out of their cafeterias since it is so high in sugar. 

The ease of it can be beneficial for after a hard exercise or a sport practice, instead of having to mix a powdered drink.  Some kids after exercising don’t feel like eating, so milk can be a good replacer of hydration, protein, and electrolytes in your child.   

Milk is packed full of nutrients.  It has a great source of protein and is beneficial for good bone health. 

Even whole milk can help prevent weight gain in children.  Since it is high in protein it will keep you fuller for longer.  It also contains linoleic acid which boosts weight loss.  Milk can also break down fat and stop fat production. 

Milk is also a very versatile ingredient.  You can add it to smoothies, coffee, oatmeal, or even soups.  

Takeaway

The consumption of milk can be very controversial.  It is a great source of protein and calcium.  It also has a great source of vitamin D and other nutrients.  Where the controversy comes in is the amount of sugar that chocolate milk has.  It has about 1.5-2 times more sugar than unsweetened cows milk.  This extra sugar could cause obesity, or other health issues in your child.  Though enjoying in moderation can be alright. 

Bottom line milk can be a good recovery drink, provide good nutrients, a good source of protein, help bone health, a good source of vitamin D, and is easily added to other foods. 

Downsides too much sugar, contains saturated fats that can lead to the risk of heart disease, and contains lactose, causing lactose intolerant people inability to consume.  Anymore there are lots of different lactose free options that can still provide the other benefits of milk.  Milk in any form, white or chocolate or strawberry can be good for your body.  Keeping track of your sugars and diet is important to make sure you have a well rounded healthy diet. 

Read More:  If Calcium Supplements Aren’t Safe, What About Calcium in Food?