subject: Dairy And Diet Do They Mix? [print this page] Dietary practices are unique to each individual. Everybody needs a different combination of food and nutritional sources, but the basic source by which we get them is relatively the same. Some sources are supplemented and others are found in the food we eat. Supplements are primarily a single source for one nutrient. Food however, contains a variety of nutrients, which is why choosing a healthy diet is so important to our health.
There are five basic food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Protein, Dairy, and Carbohydrate. The body needs a mixture of these basic groups in order to ensure proper health and physical functionality. And as it has been well established, a healthy diet is essential to a healthy body. Some nutrients help stimulate nerve functions, others stimulate metabolism, and there are those that are indispensable for cellular growth and development.
Dairy for your health
Amongst these food groups is the dairy group. When many people think of dairy, milk is the first thing to come to mind, but there are many other dairy options that we encounter every day. Coffee creamers, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese can all be dairy sources. Now, that doesnt mean theyre all good sources, especially since ice cream products often contain a surplus of sugars and additives.
For the most part, there are plenty of health related benefits from dairy, most of which overwhelm the renowned characteristic of bone-building properties.
The circulatory system gets quite a boost from dairy, improving heart health and reducing the chances of heart disease later in life. Regular intake of dairy products also help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke. Nutritionally, dairy is incredibly important to our bodys functions, assisting with digestion as well, especially the cultures in yogurt. Just be sure that the yogurt you choose is cultured.
What dairy can do for your weight?
But for the more target-focused fitness seekers, lower body weight is one of the sought after benefits. There is of course the issue with fats that are often associated with diary, hence the reason for low-fat milk and yogurt selections. In fact, many fitness practitioners turn to the supplemental benefits of calcium to replace their dairy needs. Calcium helps to boost weight loss by increasing the bodys ability to break down fat cells, making it very beneficial for anyone working towards weight-loss goals.
But dairy has a more significant effect on weight loss factors. Due to dairys content of other minerals such as magnesium and phosphorous, and the addition of proteins, dairy helps to not only supplement the bodys needs but assist in muscular development and naturally increase metabolism. These additional proteins and nutrients are what make dairy special and a basic part of a healthy diet.
Balance dairy and your diet
Overall, dairy is quite useful when it comes to effectively controlling weight. This doesnt mean that one should over-indulge in dairy consumption though. Like anything else, there must be a balance to a healthy diet.
1-2 servings of low-fat dairy a day is the preferred ratio, which can be found in sources like yogurt, cheese, and milk. Milk can be added to a smoothie, cheese can be added to a sandwich, and yogurt tends to make a great snack all on its own.
There are some who become lactose intolerant or develop a milk allergy. This can often be caused by the pasteurization processes that most dairy products go through. This process is actually what increases the shelf life of dairy products as well. Many grocers and facilities are adding natural brands that forego pasteurization and can present a solution for those who have developed lactose intolerance.
One of the most efficient practices is to simply water down whole milk rather than buying 2% or low fat. Many milk distributors achieve lower fat content by simply watering down milk. You could save yourself some extra money and make your milk last a little longer.
Teaching the proper fitness health is the primary goal of any facility. Southern California fitness centers such as those of Westlake Village focus their efforts on educating their patrons on the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. This includes all the food groups and the values they provide for your body.
Dairy is essential to general health when consumed in a balanced manner. Low-fat dairy is ideal for helping the body lose weight and increasing strength in the natural way that was intended. Make dairy a healthy addition to your diet so that you can make the most of your workout experience.
