We all know that milk is rich in vitamin D and great for growing bones, but there are new reasons why we should get our kids gulping down the white elixir.
According to researchers at McMaster University, milk is a "more effective way of countering dehydration than a sports drink or water itself".
This nugget is especially important to note during hot summer weather or when children are being active.
"Children become dehydrated during exercise," said Brian Timmons, research director of the Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program at McMaster and principal investigator of the study.
"It's important they get enough fluids, particularly before going into a second round of a game. Milk is better than either a sports drink or water because it is a source of high quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium and electrolytes."
Milk also replaces sodium lost in sweat and helps the body retain fluid better, not to mention providing much-needed protein for muscle development and growth -- none of which is not found in the other drinks studied.
The eight to 10 year olds involved in the study exercised in a climate chamber, were given a drink, then measured for hydration levels.
Timmons claimed a staggering amount of active adults and children don't drink enough to stay hydrated during exercise, which can lead to an increased risk of heat-related illness such as heat stroke.
So there you have it. Milk isn't just a vessel in which to dunk cookies. The next time your kids come rushing through the door, all sweaty and breathless, hand over a tall cold glass of the white stuff before sending them on their way.
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