The role of Dairy in a healthy diet. A unique bundle of nutrients.
Dairy Products including milk, yoghurt and cheese are well recognised for all being rich in calcium which is necessary for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
However, it is less well known that dairy foods provide another nine essential nutrients which also play an important role in good health.
These include
CARBOHYDRATEThe part of food that our body prefers to use as a source of energy. The main form of carbohydrate found in dairy foods is lactose.
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MAGNESIUMNeeded to keep bones strong. |
PROTEINThe body’s essential building block. Protein is needed for the growth and maintenance of body tissues throughout life. For example, protein is the major structural component of skin and muscle.
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PHOSPHOROUSAn integral component of bones and teeth. |
VITAMIN AImportant for normal reproduction, eye sight and for maintaining a strong immune system.
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ZINCEssential for a healthy immune system, wound healing and normal growth and development. |
RIBOFLAVINA B-group vitamin needed to release energy from food.
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NB. CALCIUMIs vital for strong bones and teeth, but also in maintaining healthy functioning of the heart, muscles, blood and nervous system. |
VITAMIN B12Essential for a healthy nervous system.
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BENEFITS BEYOND BONE STRENGTH
Dairy’s unique bundle of nutrients also play a role in maintaining good health, specifically in relation to:
Blood pressure – research suggests three serves of low fat dairy products can be included in a healthy eating pattern aimed at managing blood pressure. When combined with a diet that is also low in fat and sodium (salt) and high in fruit and vegetables, dairy foods can help look after your blood pressure.
Managing blood glucose levels – dairy foods have a low glycaemic index, which helps to keep blood glucose levels in check. This is particularly important for those who are watching their blood glucose levels.
A2 MILK
There is no scientific evidence supporting the specific health benefits of A2.
Lactalis Australia’s view is simply that all dairy has health and nutrition benefits. Producers with a vested interest who trumpet the mysterious “unique” benefits of A2 may be damaging the dairy industry as a whole.
It is divisive argument that does not please farmers, and simply confuses consumers. “Milk is good for people, full stop,” Lactalis Australia CEO says. “For the A2 Corporation to differentiate itself, and create a scare campaign in the market is misleading. There is no independent scientific study that backs up their claims.”