Dairy and You
Ten Things Cheese Can Do
1. Helps build strong bones
Maintaining an adequate calcium intake during childhood is necessary for the development of maximal peak bone mass. This is important to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life.
Cheese not only contains protein and calcium – essential nutrients for bone health but also –phosphorous, vitamins A&D, zinc and magnesium – all bone building nutrients that are important for life-long bone health.
There is a very large rise in the risk of forearm fractures occurring in children about the time of puberty. Parents commonly attribute those fractures to their child’s being “accident prone”, but we now know that it is the children with the thinnest bones who are most likely to break their bones, and we also know that calcium intake from cheese is a factor in determining bone strength at that critical period of life.
2. Helps build strong teeth and prevent decay
Builds strong teeth and helps prevent tooth decay – acts like a buffer against the plaque acids produced in the mouth by bacterial fermentation of sugars.
This makes cheese an ideal snack and great to include in children’s lunch boxes.
3. Protein promotes growth and development
Dairy products are rich in protein which provides the basic building blocks for cell growth. This helps develop muscles, repair damaged body tissues and strength, and increase immunity (resistance to disease).
Protein is just one of over nine essential nutrients found in dairy. Other essential nutrients found in dairy include carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
4. Cheese can be eaten by many people with lactose intolerance
Because cheese is low in lactose it is generally well tolerated by people who have lactose intolerance.
5. Protein and calcium are important for children to achieve their best potential height.
Cheese is a rich source of protein and calcium – both these nutrients are important for normal growth and development.
No other source of calcium can be absorbed by the body as well as the calcium in dairy foods – the unique mixture of nutrients enhances absorption.
6. Cheese is high in protein
Protein is used widely by athletes, body builders and weight lifters to help prevent muscle breakdown and improve function.
7. Cheese has high satiety value
What is satiety value? -- this means keeps your feeling satisfied longer that feeling of fullness– this can be helpful for weight management.
8. Cheese provides all the essential amino acids – building blocks
The protein in cheese is very high quality and provides all the essential amino acids (building blocks) required by humans. These amino acids cannot be made in the body so must be provided by food.
Proteins from vegetable origin do not contain all the essential amino acids.
9. Cheese provides a unique package of more than 10 essential nutrients.
Milk has been aptly described as nature’s most perfect food. Cheese packs an amazing variety of nutrients – calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, protein, potassium, magnesium, as well as riboflavin, and a host of other vitamins.
10. Cheese tastes great!