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What foods are in the dairy group and why should we consume foods in the dairy group?

Cynthia Clifton

According to MyPlate, foods associated with the dairy group include: milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, soy milk, ice cream, frozen yogurt and pudding.

We should consume foods in the dairy group because those foods provide protein, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients that are needed for good health throughout our life. The best source of calcium is found in dairy foods. Calcium is needed to build strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D called the “sunshine” vitamin helps nourish the skin, just as well as exposure to the sun for 10-15 minutes a day. The potassium in dairy foods helps maintain healthy blood pressure and keeps your heart functioning properly.

Some other important things that dairy foods do are:

  • Improve the health of your bones
  • Possibly reduce the risk of osteoporosis
  • Lower the risk of heart disease
  • Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Help maintain blood pressure or reduce high blood pressure
  • Help with muscle contraction
  • Help normal nerve function
  • Lower the risk of blood clotting

Regular physical activity also plays a great part in reducing osteoporosis when combined with calcium and vitamin D.

So, let’s try eating more dairy foods with calcium, vitamin D, protein, potassium, phosphorus and other nutrients so that our bodies can be strong and healthy for a long time.

11/2/2017 3:58:28 PM
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