(BPT) - Whether it's summer, fall, winter or spring, milk is always a great choice for families to drink, for plenty of reasons. Having milk on-hand for your favorite cereal in the morning or for dunking a warm chocolate chip cookie may be reason enough to keep a carton in your fridge, but here are some perks that may surprise you - and a few ways to think outside the carton.
1. Milk is a nutritional powerhouse
When you pour yourself a glass of milk, nutrition may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, an important benefit of drinking dairy milk is that you'll get essential nutrients that are important for overall health and wellbeing, including protein, vitamins A, B12 and D, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin and zinc.
Want even more nutrition from your milk? Look for options that have been fortified with fatty acids - such as Organic® Valley Family First™ Milk with DHA Omega 3. Fatty acids support brain health, as well as providing energy to the body and keeping your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system and hormones functioning as they should. However, most Americans don't usually meet their needs for this nutrient, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. So, look for milk options with added DHA Omega 3 and your brain and body will thank you!
2. Milk is a tasty way to hydrate
It's estimated that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. But, dairy milk may not be top-of-mind when it comes to looking for a hydration solution. Research published by the National Institutes of Health has shown that milk hydrates better than water, as it replaces some of the electrolytes that are lost while sweating and hydrates even better than sports drinks because it contains much-needed calcium. So, keep this in mind next time you're packing up drinks to bring to kids' sports practice, outdoor events and playdates, especially during the hot summer months.
3. Milk helps everyone get their ZZZ's
To help everyone in your family enjoy better sleep, try adding milk to your bedtime routine. According to registered dietitian Caitlin Beale, M.S., R.D.N., using milk as a bedtime snack can help the body relax in preparation for sleep. In her article on mother.ly, Beale explains how milk can promote better sleep - and overall well-being.
- Creates a soothing ritual: Bedtime routines like story time and sipping warm milk act as signals to the brain that it's time to wind down.
- Helps balance blood sugar: Protein in milk helps steady blood sugar levels, to support better rest.
- Promotes growth and development: Milk is a good source of protein, healthy fats, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D - all needed for healthy development. Organic Valley Family First Milk also contains DHA omega-3s to support brain health.
- Supports healthy metabolism: A glass of milk before bed can aid muscle recovery and support a normal metabolic rate while you sleep (meaning, how many calories your body burns overnight).
- Contains tryptophan: Like sleep-inducing turkey dinners, tryptophan helps make neurotransmitters and hormones that control your sleep and wake cycles.
With these reasons in mind, the next time you think about milk, think Organic Valley - a cooperative of small family farms that never use antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMO anything. And because Organic Valley farmers use sustainable farming methods, you can feel good knowing you're not just nourishing your body, but also supporting the health of the planet. You can find Organic Valley® Family First Milk™ and other products near you at OrganicValley.coop/store-locator.
