Is your child swapping milk for soft drinks?

Calcium is best taken through natural dietary sources whenever possible.

A study on Singapore children's beverage consumption habits and attitudes has revealed that more than half of children ages 7 to 10 years old are not drinking enough milk to meet their daily 500ml milk intake recommended by Health Promotion Board (HPB).

For preschoolers aged 3 to 6 years old, 32 % are drinking less milk.

Parents have an important role to play to cultivate the right eating habits in their children.

Calcium does more than just build strong bones and teeth. It is also required for one's overall health, as well as the functioning of nerves and muscle tissue.

Other than milk, calcium-rich food choices include tofu, green leafy vegetables, cheese and yoghurt.

Beside osteoporosis (brittle bone disease), some studies have suggested that people who do not get enough calcium may have higher risk of developing hypertension, and taking more calcium may even slightly lower blood pressure.

Childhood and the teenage years are critical period for bone development because this is when the most bone mass accumulates.

Tips on how to creatively sneak calcium into child's diet:

1. Shake it up. Blend milk with fruit or cocoa powder

2. Freeze it. Make your own milk-based ice-cream or lollies.

3. Add it into savoury soups or sauces.


Growie's Fruity Lollies

- Milk powder 6 scoops
- Low fat yogurt 1/2 cup
- Ripe sweet mango, cubed, 1/2 cup
- Ripe sweet strawberries, cubed, 1/2 cup
- Ripe swee papaya, cubed, 1/2 cup
- Ripe swee banana, cubed, 1/2 cup

Method

- Put milk powder and yogurt in blender at top speed until well mixed
- Divide into 4 portions. Blend each portion of the milk-yogurt mixture with a fruit and pour into
   a Popsicle stick
- Chill in the freezer until well frozen. Unmould and serve

Enjoy!