Quick Take
A video on social media claims that consuming makhana, khas khas, and desi ghee with milk can help increase a child’s height. We fact checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
An Instagram page named doctorupasanavohra features a video in which she is seen speaking to children, claiming that drinking milk with makhana, khas khas, and desi ghee can help increase their height.
Fact Check
Can specific foods alone make a child grow taller?
No, height growth is primarily determined by genetics and overall nutrition.
A child’s height is influenced largely by their genetic makeup. If both parents are tall, the child is more likely to grow taller; if the parents are shorter, the child’s maximum height potential may also be limited. While nutrition plays an essential role in supporting proper growth, no single food or combination of foods can override genetic factors. Height development is a complex process regulated by hormones like human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), both of which require an overall healthy diet, not just specific ingredients. A balanced intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals is necessary to support growth, but simply consuming makhana, khas khas, and desi ghee with milk will not directly influence height increase.
Manasi Banduni, Senior Nutritionist at Clinic Living Plus, Bangalore, explains, “Many people aspire to grow taller, whether it’s parents hoping to enhance their child’s height, teenagers, or even adults in their 30s. However, it’s important to recognise that height is primarily influenced by genetics and early-life nutrition. Mental well-being can also impact growth during developmental years. While jaggery and onion have their own nutritional benefits, I wouldn’t advise consuming them together, as there is no scientific evidence to support such a claim.”
Harita Adhvaryu, Senior Clinical Dietitian at Ezcure Diabetes Care in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, explains that height is largely influenced by genetics and inherited traits from parents. While a well-balanced diet during childhood and adolescence supports optimal growth, once bone growth ceases, no treatment or dietary changes can increase height.
On a related note, there are claims that a powder of seeds and nuts can drastically increase a child’s height in 15 days. But this is equally false.
Do makhana, khas khas, and desi ghee have nutrients that support growth?
Yes, but they do not specifically increase height.
- Makhana (fox nuts): Rich in protein, calcium, and antioxidants, makhana supports overall health, including bone strength. However, while calcium is essential for bone health, it does not stimulate additional height growth beyond the child’s genetic potential.
- Khas khas (poppy seeds): Contains essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all of which contribute to bone development. However, khas khas alone does not trigger growth spurts.
- Desi ghee: A great source of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, desi ghee aids in nutrient absorption and overall development. However, it does not influence height increase directly.
- Milk: A widely recognised source of calcium and protein, milk supports bone health and muscle growth, but excessive consumption will not result in additional height gain.
While these foods contribute to good health, they do not contain any special compounds that can override genetic limits and promote unnatural height growth.
What are the real factors that influence a child’s height?
Genetics, a well-balanced diet, exercise, and sleep play the most crucial roles.
Several key factors determine how tall a child will grow:
- Genetics: Around 60-80% of a child’s height is dictated by their parents’ genes. This means that if the child has tall parents, they are more likely to be tall, whereas children of shorter parents may have a lower height potential.
- Balanced Nutrition: Proper growth requires an adequate intake of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Key nutrients include:
- Protein: Found in dairy, eggs, lentils, fish, and poultry, protein helps build muscles and tissues.
- Calcium: Found in dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts, calcium supports strong bones.
- Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium efficiently and is found in fish, eggs, and sunlight exposure.
- Zinc: Important for growth and immunity, found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Physical Activity: Engaging in exercises like swimming, cycling, jumping, and playing outdoor sports stimulates growth hormone production, which plays a role in height development.
- Proper Sleep: During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone, which is critical for development. Lack of sleep can lead to stunted growth over time.
- Hormonal Balance: Growth hormone deficiencies, thyroid imbalances, or other medical conditions can affect height. In such cases, medical intervention is necessary.
Simply relying on makhana, khas khas, and desi ghee with milk is not enough; children need a holistic approach to ensure proper growth.
Can consuming these foods compensate for poor nutrition?
No, relying on a few foods will not provide complete nutrition. Good nutrition for growth requires variety, and limiting a child’s diet to a few ingredients is not beneficial. If a child’s diet lacks essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, no single food can make up for it. A well-balanced meal should include:
- Protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, pulses, tofu, and dairy to support muscle and bone growth.
- Fruits and vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants that protect overall health.
- Whole grains such as wheat, rice, and millets for sustained energy.
- Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oils to support brain function and overall development.
A diet with a diverse range of nutrients ensures that children grow optimally, whereas depending on just a few foods can lead to deficiencies.
Is milk a magical growth booster?
No, but it supports normal growth.
Milk is often associated with height growth due to its calcium and protein content. While calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength, protein is necessary for muscle development. But a 2005 study was conducted where it said milk has no effect on height of 5-11 year olds. Drinking excessive milk will not make a child taller than their genetic potential allows. The belief that milk alone increases height is a misconception. Instead, it should be a part of a well-rounded diet that includes various sources of nutrients.
Final Verdict
The claim that makhana, khas khas, and desi ghee with milk can increase a child’s height is false. While these foods provide essential nutrients that support overall health, height is mainly determined by genetics, and no food combination can alter that. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and proper hormonal health are crucial for a child’s natural growth. No single food, no matter how nutritious, can guarantee an increase in height beyond what genetics allow.
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