Three Health Benefits of Dairy
When it comes to eating healthfully, we all know the basics — fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plus lean proteins are all musts. But what about dairy?
As one of the key commended food groups in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, dairy is a healthy choice!
Here are just a few ways dairy can help fuel you — and keep you full.
Fuel Nutritional Needs
You probably know dairy is high in calcium and great for bone health. But you might not be as familiar with some of the other vitamins and minerals that dairy products provide:
- Protein to help build muscle and keep you feeling fuller longer
- Phosphorus to strengthen bones, teeth, and tissue
- Pantothenic acid to help your body use carbohydrates, fats, and protein for fuel
- Vitamin B-12 to keep blood healthy and the nervous system functioning
- Vitamin A to keep eyes and skin healthy
- Vitamin D to strengthen bones and teeth
Dairy foods also contain zinc, choline, magnesium, and selenium.
Boost Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But good news for dairy lovers: Working dairy into your diet can help reduce your risk.
Dairy foods — especially low-fat and fat free varieties — have been linked to:
- Reduced risk of high blood pressure
- Reduced risk for cardiovascular disease
- Reduced risk for coronary heart disease
- Reduced risk for stroke
That’s a lot of reduced risks — all for a few servings of delicious dairy each day!
Control Diabetes
Cases of type 2 diabetes are on the rise in the United States. Dairy has been linked to a reduced risk for the disease.
How can dairy foods help you manage, or even fight, diabetes?
- Dairy proteins like whey help reduce blood sugar levels.
- Dairy proteins like whey help increase insulin levels.
So, raise a glass — of milk — and say, “cheers!” to your health!
