We all know that dairy is one of the best sources of protein and calcium but have you ever wondered about its other benefits? Here’s a rundown on all the amazing benefits you can get when you consume dairy as well as a brief introduction to what dairy truly is. Join us now at Countryside Dairy and expand your dairy knowledge!
What is dairy?
All foods that are made with animal milk are considered dairy products. Some of the most common dairy products are those that come from cows, goats and carabaos. The milk from these animals is naturally packed with minerals and nutrients since they are necessary to support the growth of their infant. In addition to milk, the other dairy products most commonly consumed by people around the world are as follows:
- Cheese
- Yoghurt
- Butter
- Cream
- Whey protein powder
Dairy has always been a hot topic when it comes to health. People believe it is healthy. However, there are some that question the legitimacy of the claims when it comes to dairy products.
There is a growing trend that encourages people to use plant-based instead of animal-based dairy products due to the ethical concerns when it comes to dairy farming and the sustainability of the cattle industry. Here, we will discuss the benefits of dairy on your diet to help you see if it is worth its risks.
Is it natural to consume dairy?
From the moment of your birth, the first sustenance you would get is that of your mother’s milk. However, the digestive enzyme responsible for helping you break down the nutrients in milk mostly disappears in adulthood, which is the reason why some people are lactose intolerant. With this, you can argue that it is unnatural for adults to consume dairy.
There was a time when almost no one drank milk before the 10,000-year agricultural revolution. Milk only became popular in Western Europe since the early farmers were the first to live with domesticated farm animals. Since then, it became a common practice to drink milk across the globe and people even adapted enough to be able to consume milk well into adulthood. In shorter terms, humans have evolved to include dairy in their diet.
What are the health benefits of dairy in your body?
Regardless of whether dairy is natural or not in the human diet, it cannot be denied that it has certain benefits that contribute to your health. Take a look at the list below to see which are the advantages of consuming dairy:
High nutrient content
Dairy products are rich in key vitamins since it is naturally produced by the body to nurture the young. Here’s a list of the nutrients you would find in milk:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin A
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12
- Omega 3 fatty acid
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
Milk is considered a complete protein since it has all 9 essential amino acids that are required in the human body. The protein found in milk is required for normal bodily function and thus it is beneficial for you. Another thing that proteins do is that it regulates the immune system, muscle development and cell repair. Having a diet that is rich in protein can help improve your muscle repair mechanism and muscle loss.
Improved bone health
Dairy is an excellent source of calcium for your diet. Since the main mineral in bones is calcium, consuming milk would help you have better bone health. If you combine your dairy diet with exercise, you would certainly have stronger bones even as you grow older. Moreover, you would have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
Lower risk of obesity
Dairy consumption is often associated with low risks of obesity. The reason for this is that protein makes you feel fuller even in small servings. This would allow you not to overeat or exceed your daily food intake. Despite what most people would say, the CLA in milk can help you lose weight at a faster rate since it has the acids that can break down fat and inhibit the production of fat. Some studies even suggest that there is a link between increased intracellular levels of ionised calcium and the increased metabolism of fat.
Reduced risk of type-2 diabetes
According to studies, dairy can reduce the risk of you developing type 2 diabetes. The reason for this is that dairy can improve your body’s insulin sensitivity, which then increases your body’s ability to regulate your body’s blood sugar levels.
Dairy is also a healthy option for people who are already diabetic since it is a good source of nutrients. Of course, that is only if the dairy has a low glycaemic index since it wouldn’t affect the overall blood sugar control.
Increased energy
Due to the nutritional contents of dairy food products, it is believed to help you produce more energy. Products like milk, cheese and yoghurt have high levels of protein as well as an optimal level of essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own. Consuming dairy can not only help you curve your weight but also give you enough energy to stay active. This is the reason why most athletes prefer to consume dairy when training.
Higher levels of immunity
Consuming dairy is one of the best ways to have an overall healthy diet since a glass of milk has all the nutrients that your body needs to survive. For instance, dairy products contain selenium, zinc and vitamin A all of which are important when it comes to normal immune functions.
Feel more calm and tranquil
Have trouble sleeping at the right time? According to research, protein has a more satiating effect than carbohydrates or fat. It gives your body a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, which helps you sleep better. Moreover, protein can assist in muscle repair while you sleep, this keeps your body from feeling ache and thus allows you to sleep better.
Complications associated with dairy
Since dairy isn’t natural for adults and some children, it can have adverse effects on the body. In some cases, overconsumption of dairy can lead to over-nutrition, which can be dangerous especially if you have an excessive amount of calcium in your system. Here are some of the complications you might experience when consuming dairy.
Lactose intolerance
Did you know that tolerance to lactose is actually a mutation in humans and that the norm is lactose intolerance? Approximately two-thirds of the world is lactose intolerant. The reason for this is that as you grow older, your body would stop producing lactase enzymes which are responsible for breaking down soluble molecules in dairy.
Since it is no longer produced, the lactose in milk can no longer be digested by your body, which then results in abdominal pain and bloating.
Acne
According to studies, there is a connection between the amount of dairy you intake and your acne breakout. In theory, dairy products can stimulate the hormone insulin in your body responsible for supporting your growth factor.
In another study, it is suggested that consuming dairy can actually give you better skin since the lactoferrin in milk can improve your acne by decreasing sebum on the epidermis and exerting a chemical that gives off an anti-inflammatory effect.
Overconsumption of calcium
Just like everything in life, a little too much can be bad for your health. Having too much calcium in your body can cause constipation, kidney failure, kidney stones and calcium deposition in arteries. You should watch out for how much calcium you consume since the recommended amount is only 1,000 mg for adults, which is equivalent to 3 cups of milk a day. If you think you are getting enough calcium, you shouldn’t take any more supplements.
Why purchase dairy in Countryside Dairy?
Finding the right dairy brand for you is just as important as looking for the perfect product. Here at Countryside Dairy, we can assure you that we are the best choice for you. The reason is that we practice safe, sustainable and efficient dairy farming, which ensures that you would get the highest quality products from us.
Not only that but we also uphold a sense of high standard for all of our products. We even established our company in the perfect location where the cows can roam freely and live a stress-free life. We also use state of the art machines in processing our dairy products.
Get the most out of your dairy diet and join us today. Purchase your favourite Countryside Dairy products now and savour the freshness of authentic cow’s milk. You can reach out to us using the number provided on our page or visit your nearest Countryside Farm for lower prices.