Checking the label a wise habit

By Suzi Entrata-Abrera

AS A wife and mom, I always want to give the best food and drink products to my family, and by that I mean not only that they are the best taste-wise, but also nutrition-wise.

This is one of the reasons why I have developed the habit of checking the nutritional information contained in the products that I give them. This especially holds true for my three children, two of whom are in their ?growing up years.? It is during this time that they need all the vitamins and nutrients.

And by checking the label, I don?t mean just finding out which product offers the most nutrients, but making sure that these nutrients are really those that my children need. This is especially true when choosing the right milk for them.

For Leona and Jade, for example, I look for products that will help give them nutrients or ingredients essential for body growth, strong defense against sickness and diseases, and cognitive development.

Calcium and protein for their growth

For strong body growth, children in their growing up years need the best amount of calcium. Calcium, as we all know, is good for the teeth and bones. And this age when Leona and Jade would like to explore the world around them, I think they need all the calcium that they can get.

Protein is also something that they shouldn?t do without. It has muscle-building properties that are essential for a growing child.

Probiotics to help support their immune system

And as they begin to explore, they likewise encounter new experiences. They want to learn more about the simplest and most complex of things?why stones sink, why flowers bloom, or even how a bicycle gets them from here to there.

As such, they not only ask questions, they also touch things. They want to feel how it is in their hands. They might dip their hands into that pond to get that stone from the bottom, caress a new bloom as it opens up, or even run after that bicycle.

With that, they are also exposed to, let?s just say, unwanted matter (bacteria, germs and such). And for this, I want to strengthen their bodies against sickness and diseases.

I have heard of good microorganisms fortified (microbiota contained) in growing up milk that helps improve children?s health and I make sure that the right one is found in the product that I give them.

DHA to support their brain development

And as they explore and experience, they begin to acquire new knowledge and for this, I want to make sure that their growing up milk helps in their brain development.

For example, milk products nowadays contain DHA, which according to what I have learned in my readings, really does help if given in the right amounts.

I want my children to be not just physically strong, but mentally strong as well.

Choose the best by checking the label

Reading a product?s label may seem a big effort at first, but just think that at the end of the day, we?re talking about our children?s health here.

To reiterate, read the label to know which products provide the optimum amounts of the nutrients and ingredients that your children really need. With this, you not only ensure their good health and development, but you also get the best value for your money. Always go for the best choice.