Throughout history, milk and its by-products have played an essential role in our diet. However, over the last decade, various trends and fads have brought alternative products to consumers’ attention, often the result of recommendations without a clear scientific basis. Nevertheless, recent research has shed some light on these issues.
Nutrient-rich dairy products are once again firmly positioned as the basis for a healthy diet, with a recommended three to five servings of dairy per day, depending on a person’s age and level of activity. In addition to their high quality proteins, dairy products are also rich in calcium and phosphorus and a high dose of vitamins. No other single food has so many nutrients.
Researchers and nutritionists agree that the benefits of dairy products are not limited exclusively to their high nutritional content. They can also contribute to the prevention of illnesses, in particular cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, odontological and bone diseases.
When it comes to diets, the regular consumption of milk during childhood and adolescence is an excellent tool in the fight against excess weight and obesity in children and young people. Recent studies have shown that consuming dairy products contributes to the sensation of fullness and can therefore reduce the short-term sensation of hunger, in many cases preventing the consumption of other types of food that are not advisable for a healthy diet.
There are also conclusive studies that show how the consumption of dairy protein not only contributes the sensation of fullness, but is also a great ally for people trying to lose weight, particularly around the waist.
Their high calcium content also makes dairy products an essential food for our bones and teeth. The role of calcium in bone development and maintenance is widely known, and this is particularly important for women during phases of their lives such as the menopause. However, calcium is also essential for our teeth, as mouth health partly depends on ingesting the right amount of calcium and protein that will strengthen and protect our teeth from external agents.
Milk and its liquid by-products are also essential for the elderly, as this delicious drink contains large amounts of a natural antioxidant known as glutathione, which plays an important role in the prevention of oxidative stress in the brains of older adults.
In short, dairy and its natural by-products continue to form an essential part of our diet. They can also be consumed in multiple formats, either as a food or as an ingredient in new products that are constantly being improved and tailored to meet our needs.
