Beyond Calcium: The Protective Attributes of Dairy Products and Their Constituents.
Functional foods are gaining in popularity as consumers are living longer and are seeking to reduce disease and optimize their health through diet. Dairy products and their components are one category of foods under investigation for their functional attributes. Recent research suggests the health benefits of consuming dairy foods may extend well beyond bone health to enhancing the immune system, reducing risks of some chronic diseases, and regulating body weight. This article examines the associated components of dairy foods and the evidence for these putative health benefits.
Hoolihan
Lori
L
Lori Hoolihan, PhD, RD, is a Nutrition Research Specialist at the Dairy Council of California in Irvine.