The Great Soft Drink Debate: Milk vs. Soda

Milk: The Healthy Alternative to Soda That Will Make a Major Difference

There’s a terrifying epidemic plaguing America’s youth: obesity. And one of the biggest suspects in this epidemic is sugary soft drinks.

More and more parents in today’s world are looking for a healthy alternative to soda that will benefit their children.

Pop and juice are basically like consuming spoonfuls of refined sugar, even if juice seems like a healthier choice.

It’s simply not enough anymore just to be aware- it’s time to be proactive and help protect today’s youth. They are the future, and the future should be bright.

So what’s in your child’s lunch box? If it’s not nutritious milk, we’re here to tell you why our favorite beverage is the perfect healthy alternative to soda.

 

 

Why You Need to Stop Drinking Soda in the First Place

It’s no secret that there’s an obesity epidemic in America, and sugary sodas have been pinpointed as a major contributor to the problem.

In fact, according to CNN, overconsumption of sugar could be to blame for at least 184,000 deaths in the country every year.

The calories you drink when you down a can of soda are entirely made of sugar, with no nutritional value whatsoever. Not only that, but the sweet, fizzy beverage has also been linked to diabetes, tooth decay, and heart disease.

And if you think diet sodas are safe, you’re wrong. Diet sodas are just as bad for your health- without the added sugar. In fact, some studies have shown that drinking diet sodas can actually lead to more sugar cravings and weight gain.

 

 

Milk: One of The Best Soda Alternatives For Kids and Adults

On the other hand, milk contains many of the nutrients you’re depriving your body of when you choose soda instead.

Here’s a handy list of the 9 essential nutrients in milk:

• Calcium
• Protein
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Vitamin B12
• Phosphorous
• Vitamin D

These essential nutrients provide many significant health benefits that are essential for the growth of your children, and your own health as a parent.

 

Strong Bones

We all know this one. Milk builds strong bones.

One cup of milk provides 30% of your daily calcium intake, 11% of your daily potassium intake, and 20% of your daily phosphorus intake. All of these nutrients are essential for bone health and maintenance.

Calcium in particular is an essential component for bone health, and it helps to prevent osteoporosis later on.

 

Dental Health

Calcium does more than help your bones. The calcium in milk can also help to keep your teeth strong and healthy, which is the opposite of what pop does.

Your teeth and bones store 99% of your body’s calcium, which is vital for growing children who are still developing their adult teeth. Milk can also help reduce tooth decay and build enamel.

 

Energy

The protein in milk provides your body with energy, and the vitamin B12 helps to convert food into energy instead of storing it as fat in the body. When you choose to drink milk over soda, you get the rush of energy without the sugar crash afterward.

 

Heart Health

Consuming more dairy products has also shown to lead to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

Many of the nutrients in milk, including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein, coupled with the good fats also found in your class, are linked to reducing various cardiovascular issues.

 

Healthy Skin

The riboflavin and vitamin B12 in your glass of milk are also good for your skin. There is also lactic acid in milk, which is extremely beneficial for your complexion.

In fact, not only will milk make your skin look and feel healthier and softer, it also helps lower your risk for skin cancer, particularly melanoma.

 

Illness and Disease Prevention

In addition to keeping your heart healthy, a diet rich in dairy products such as milk can help to reduce your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Milk works as a power booster to your immune system, which is important for fighting of sickness.

 

Muscle Repair After a Workout

Chocolate milk is actually one of the best things to drink after a workout because it helps to repair your muscle tissues better than most sports drinks. Its combination of carbohydrates and protein is your essential source for energy, rehydration, and muscle growth.

 

 

Chocolate Milk vs. Soda: The Great School Debate

There’s a myth out there that chocolate milk is “soda in disguise.” Schools and parents have often given it a bad reputation because they believe it’s as sugary as soda.

However, this is simply not true. There are many health benefits of chocolate milk that make it a great choice for any child’s lunch box.

Firstly, chocolate milk contains the same 9 essential nutrients that white milk does. These nutrients are vital for the growth and health of children, especially those in elementary school.

Secondly, experts argue that children who don’t have the option to drink chocolate milk might be more inclined to drink something worse, like pop.

Lastly, the argument that chocolate milk contains a lot of sugar is misguided. While the label might suggest that there is a lot of sugar in chocolate milk, about half of that sugar is from naturally occurring lactose. The amount of added sugar in this chocolatey drink is actually very minimal, and the nutrients it provides certainly make up for it.

So the next time your child wants chocolate milk in their lunch, don’t hesitate to give it to them. Be glad they’re choosing something with amazing benefits instead of liquid sugar.