Say “cheese!”
But what happens when you consume dairy daily?
What Is Dairyand Is It Healthy?
Getty Images
Think back to your grade school days, when you were taught about either the food pyramid orMyPlate.
Can you recall the different sections?
In addition to fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and fat, dairy is among them.
You’ll be closer to meeting the mark for several nutrients Americans often fall short on.
These include calcium, vitamin D, fiber and potassium, plus iron and folate for certain age groups.
Most sources of dairy deliver three of thosecalcium, vitamin D and potassiumin one convenient package.
“Protein can keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer too,” Ehsani says.
When you compare the nutrition label ofplant-based milksto cow’s milk or soymilk, there’s no competition.
Depending on the dairy, you may get a gut-health boost.
Gut health’s impact doesn’t stop at the lining of our stomachs.
You’ll be doing good by your gut if you consume yogurt or kefir.
These are just two of the12 foods we recommend eating to improve your gut health overnight.
You’ll feel the symptoms if you’re lactose intolerant.
These folks may experience unpleasant symptoms such as cramping, gas and diarrhea," Harris-Pincus adds.
That said, lactose intolerance exists on a spectrum, Thomason says.
Some dairy foods may not impact individuals with lactose intolerance at all or as much.
Most yogurts, hard cheeses and ghee are naturally lower in lactose; milk has the most.
If even the lower-lactose items cause digestive distress, try a2 Milk.
This contains the lactase enzyme to break down lactose for you.
Or Fairlife and Green Valley Creamery products are lactose-free.
You could overdo it on saturated fat and sodium.
“Those tend to be high in sodium, though.
If consumed in excess, sodium isn’t great for your blood pressure or heart health.”
We have hundreds ofhealthy dairy recipesin theEatingWellarchives.
As long as you’re not lactose intolerant, there’s no need to steer clear.
Here’s how to tell if you might be lactose intolerantand what to eat if you are.)
Consuming three servings of dairy daily is recommended as part of a balanced diet.
