June is National Dairy Month

Dairy's Role in Women's Health:  According to the USDA, nearly nine out of ten women (ages 20 and up) fail to meet calcium recommendations.  Milk is an excellent source of calcium and provides eight additional essential nutrients, including protein, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin. Milk and milk products help build strong bones, teeth and muscles. Research shows that when cutting calories to lose weight, three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt each day helps people burn more fat and lose more weight than just cutting calories alone. Dairy foods can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, kidney stones and PMS.

Recipes:
Beef Burrito with Pepper Jack Cheese and Black Beans
Banana and Yogurt Crepes 
Pomegranate Smoothie

Health & Wellness: 

Together, low-fat and fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt provide a unique package of nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin, and niacin (niacin equivalents). Not to mention great taste. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize that people who consume more low-fat and fat-free dairy foods have better overall diets, have more nutrient intake and improved bone health. In fact, studies show dairy foods, when consumed as part of a healthy diet, may help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, colon cancer, and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

For more information:  NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL