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Is dairy intake still important for older kids?

Parenting Perspective

It requires educated nutrition to nourish the health and growth of older children, but dairy can still be of significant help. Milk, cheese, and yoghurt contain calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which give bone strength a boost during teenage growth spurts. But if your child is lactose intolerant or simply likes plant-based products, make sure they drink fortified soy, oat, or almond milk with added calcium and vitamin D. The objective is to preserve bone health by means of Halal, healthy sources. Discuss moderation and steer clear of excess sugar in flavoured milk and milk products. Urge teens to see nutrition as part of taking care of their body as a trust from Allah Almighty.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah An Nahal (16), Verse 66: ‘And indeed, in the cattle there is (empirical) learning for you; We (Allah Almighty) facilitate your drinking (that liquid) which is extracted from their bellies… appetising pure milk easily for those who drink it’ It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 3730, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ drank milk and said: ‘When he is given milk to drink, he should say: O Allah! bless us in it and give us more of it, for no food or drink satisfies like milk.’ It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2734, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘Indeed, Allah Almighty is pleased with His servant who praises Him after eating or drinking.’ These teachings show that milk is honoured in Islam, and its nutritional value, when beneficial and suitable, can be part of a healthy, faith-aligned diet.

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