5 Things You Need to Know About Nutrients in Dairy

1. Dairy Products Promote Bone Health

Dairy products are best known for being rich in bone building nutrients. Calcium promotes strong bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. It is plentiful throughout the body and is stored in the form of bones and teeth. In addition, calcium is important for muscle and blood vessel contractions. Phosphorus is a component of bone and is also part of cell membrane structure. Dairy products are often fortified with vitamin D and are a major source of this nutrient in a typical diet. Vitamin D assists the body with absorbing the calcium it needs to strengthen bones.

2. Providing Quality Protein

While dairy products are most known for their calcium content, they are equally rich in important protein. The protein in dairy contains all the essential amino acids your body needs, making it a quality protein source. This protein is essential in the building and repair of muscle tissue. To maximize the benefits of dairy choose low fat or fat free varieties. This will allow you to take advantage of the healthy nutrients dairy offers without consuming too much dietary fat.

3. Rich in B Vitamins

Water-soluble B vitamins are not stored in the body; therefore, it is necessary to consume sources of these vitamins daily for health. Dairy products are a good source of B vitamins, specifically riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B12. Consuming dairy often can help you reach your daily requirement for B vitamins. Riboflavin is important for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It promotes growth and assists in the production of red blood cells. Niacin works to convert food into energy with its role in fatty acid and sugar metabolism. Vitamin B12 is important for nerve cells and plays a role in the development of the genetic makeup within cells. In addition it helps to maintain red blood cells important for oxygen transport in the body.

4. Plenty of Potassium

Potassium is a necessary mineral and electrolyte. It works with sodium to maintain fluid balance within the body. Consuming foods rich in potassium is an important part of maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Potassium can work to level the effects of excess sodium on high blood pressure. It may also reduce the risk for kidney stones and combat age related bone loss. In addition, potassium is important for muscle function and contraction.

5. Clear Benefits of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is most known for its role in healthy vision. It is especially helpful for maintaining vision in situations of low light exposure. However, the benefits of this vitamin go beyond sight. Vitamin A is also important for cell growth and skin. The development and maintenance of teeth, soft tissue and skeletal tissue all involve vitamin A.