Dairy Role in Health

Hypertension and Heart Disease

A considerable dataBASE_URL of observational and clinical trials exists regarding the beneficial effect of dairy food consumption on blood pressure and risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).

The blood pressure lowering effect of dairy products is best exemplified by the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) clinical trial, This study demonstrated that a low-fat dietary pattern high in fruits and vegetables (8-9 servings/day) and low fat dairy products (3/day) produced greater reductions in than either the diet high in only fruits and vegetables or the control diet.

Bega Cheese

Immune Function

Numerous components of dairy foods may help improve non-specific immunity.

CLA and probiotic bacteria are the 2 components that have been researched the most thoroughly.

Animal studies suggest that CLA does have a beneficial effect but more research in humans is required

Dairy products (yoghurt) contain probiotic bacteria – defined as live microbial food supplements that beneficially affect the host – may play a role in improving immune function.

Whey protein is another dairy component recently receiving attention as a possible immune-enhancing agent.

Improved Intestinal health (Probiotics)

Probiotic definition: Living bacteria which when consumed in sufficient numbers are proven to give a health benefit. They can be consumed in foods or drinks – two main types: Lactobacillus & Bifidiobacterium.

Probiotics (good bacteria) benefit us in many ways

  • Metabolizing nutrients e.g. producing vitamins (B &K) and short chain fatty acids
  • Metabolizing potentially cancer causing substances & bile acids.
  • Influencing the immune system
  • Defending against invading pathogens (bad bacteria)
  • Enhancing colonization resistance of gastrointestinal tract.
  • Prevention & treatment of diarrhoea and gastroenteritis.
  • Reduction of antibiotic associated diarrhoea & side effects.
  • Producing lactase which aids lactose digestion.

There is significant research to date supporting the role of probiotics in maintaining and improving intestinal health.

Many cultured dairy foods are well tolerated by lactose intolerant individuals.

Prebiotics: Work in synergy with probiotics – provide the food they require to grow, promote growth and metabolic activity of good bacteria and enhance their efficiency.

Kidney Stones

Contrary to traditional advice to avoid dairy products for those at risk if kidney stones, recent studies have provided evidence for a protective role of calcium against stone formation.

Nutrient Absorption

The primary purpose of milk has always been to provide nourishment to the rapidly growing newborn and infant mammal.

Thus, it makes sense that milk not only contains a multitude of nutrients needed for optimal growth and development but also factors that aid in delivering those nutrients form the gut to the tissues where they are used.

For example, lactose (milk sugar) enhances calcium absorption in the gut.