Nutrition
Dairy is rich in vital nutrients that help our bodies build and maintain strong bones and a healthy immune system.
What is Dairy?
Nature's Powerhouse
Dairy refers to any food made from the milk products of animals. Dairy products are a great source of protein and healthy fats that help improve bone strength and overall well-being.
Milk from cows is the most common dairy product and is a main ingredient in cheese, cream, butter and tasty desserts. Milk is packed with nine essential vitamins, whether fat-free, flavored or organic. It is also the top food source for calcium, potassium and vitamin D, three of the four nutrients that many Americans lack in their diets. This fresh, wholesome beverage plays an important role in healthy eating throughout adulthood.
Geaux Dairy!
One 8-ounce glass of milk provides eight times more naturally occurring protein than the same sized serving of other milk alternatives!
Serving Size: 1 Glass of Milk
Protein
One 8-ounce glass of milk provides eight grams of natural, high-quality protein that is used to rebuild, maintain and repair body tissues. Our organs, muscles, bones, nails and hair are all made up of protein.
Calcium
Dairy is the number one source of calcium in the American diet. Calcium helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. This can help reduce the risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis. Just one cup of milk contains 305mg of calcium!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is naturally present in very few foods, which is why nearly half of all Americans get the recommended daily amount of Vitamin D from milk. Vitamin D helps fight inflammation and aids in the absorption of calcium.
Phosphorus
Phosphorous supports healthy tissue growth and works with calcium and Vitamin D to help maintain strong bones. One serving of milk contains 20% of your daily recommended amount of phosphorus.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B-2 works with other nutrients to convert food into fuel and aids in the development of the central nervous system.
Niacin
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B-3, works with riboflavin and Vitamin B-12 to help your body convert food to energy. It converts nutrients into energy to help the body’s enzymes function properly.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 builds and repairs red blood cells while helping maintain the central nervous system. Milk is an excellent food source of Vitamin B-12 with nearly 50% of your recommended daily amount in just one serving.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy immune system, promotes growth and is important for vision and healthy skin.
Potassium
Potassium helps regulate the balance of fluids in your body and plays a critical role in your body’s energy cycles that convert food to fuel. This nutrient is critical in maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic Acid, more commonly known as Vitamin B-5, is one of eight B vitamins that help convert the food you eat into energy. This vitamin is also crucial in the development of healthier hair, liver, skin, and eyes.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential nutrient that your body cannot produce or store. Zinc is supplied in your diet and plays a role in developing a functional immune system. A few foods with the highest amount of zinc include milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Selenium
Selenium in our dairy products delivers health benefits to our bodies such as a boost in immune system, improving blood flow, lowering risk for heart disease, and can help fight asthma symptoms.
Iodine
This mineral is essential and plays an important role to ensure proper thyroid function in your body. Without enough iodine in your diet, you can experience symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain.