Perhaps there is good reason to have three servings a day of dairy products. Dozens of studies are ongoing examining the association between dairy products, like milk, and weight loss. Since the USDA estimates that 75 percent of Americans are not consuming enough calcium every day, there has been a campaign to educate consumers about the bone-building nutritional value of dairy foods as well as to share the recent findings that at least three servings a day of dairy products may help to lower blood pressure and body weight.
Dairy foods have been a staple in many households since they offer nutritional benefits for all ages. A one-serving glass of milk provides significant amounts of the daily value of nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and phosphorus. Today, many nutrition experts are urging everyone to consume three servings of dairy foods, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, or yogurt to help establish healthy eating habits. The good news is that most dairy foods supply many nutrients that are shortchanged in many family diets. For example, research suggests that adolescents who consumed just two servings of dairy food a day seemed to have less of a weight problem than kids who ate less dairy products.
When most people try to lose weight, they often skimp on dairy foods. Limiting dairy foods may not only impact your waistline, it may also affect your risk of disease. Studies have shown that low-fat dairy foods may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure and perhaps even colon cancer. An animal study that is receiving a great deal of recent press shows that a diet rich in low-fat foods including affects the functioning of fat cells. A human study revealed that women benefited the most by consuming low-fat dairy foods. Those women who consumed at least three servings of low-fat dairy foods per day were at the lowest risk of becoming obese.
Not everyone can consume dairy products. Some people are allergic to milk and dairy products and should not eat them. For people with lactose intolerance, milk is often better digested when consumed in small amounts and when combined with other foods, such as cereal. If you are unable to consume dairy products, look for the nutritional benefits of a glass of milk from other calcium-rich foods or consider Smart Supplements.
