The benefits to milk consumption...

Did you know in addition to milk helping build strong bones and teeth, milk has been linked to the prevention of colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, hypternsion and other health problems?
The recommended serving per day is 2-3 servings.  Two-thirds of Canadians do not drink the recommened daily amount of milk.  Researchers around the world continue to investigate the benefits of milk.

Benefit:  REDUCES RISK OF DEVELOPING COLON CANCER
The research:  Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Canada with 24, 232 new cases diagnosed in 2012.  Prevention is key and drinking milk may help.  Researchers found that people who consumed at least 250 mililetres of milk per day had a 15% lower risk of developing colon cancer than individuals who drank little (less than 70 milimetres) or no milk.  "Consistently , over the past several years, research has shown that vitamin D and calcium are important contributors to the prevention of colon cancer and milk is an excellent source of those nutrients,: says Barru Stein, president of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada.

Benefit:  MAY PROTECT AGAINST TYPE 2 DIABETES
The research:  There are several ways in which milk could help reduce diabetes risk, according to Raylene A. Reimer, a prefessor of nutrition, metabolism and genetics at the University of Calgaru.  "Many of the effects may be linked to reduced body fat, reduced inflammatory cytokines (substances that carry signals between cells), increased insulin sensitivity and enhanced satiety (the feeling of fullness),: she explains.  "It is thought that there are bioactive compounds in milk that provide the various beneficial effects", explains Reimer.  "Nutrients that have been studied are whey protein, amino acids, calcium, conjugated linoleic acid and others."  Calcium, Vitamin D and mangenium may also be linked to milk's role in diabetes prevention. 


Benefit:  REDUCES THE INCIDENCE OF CALCIUM STONES
The research:  Having calcium stones is a condition that involves small hard pieces of calcium and oxalate forming in the kidneys.  These stones can cause pain as they pass in the urine.  Historically, people with kidney stones were put on low-calcium diets because health prectitioners thought the stones were caused by drinking milk.  However they now think that calcium may actually protect against the formation of these stones.  The components in milk products that may play an important role in preventing kidney stones include calcium, magnesium, potassium and water.  To prevent calcium stones, drink 10 to 12 cups of fluid per day.  At least half of this should be water and 2 cups should be milk.

Benefit:  HELPS PREVENT HYPERTENSION
The research:  Hypertension is a leading risk factor for developing heart disease but following a healthy diet can play a vital role in preventing it.  Daniella Wolf, a registered dietician in Toronto, helps her patients properly manage their blood pressure.  In addition to daily physical activity, restricing sodium and following a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and plant sources of protein.  A review published in the journal Hypertension pooled around the results of nine previous studies on the connection between milk and hypertension involving a total of 57,256 patients.  The analysis shows that low-fat dairy products and milk can help lower the risk of hypertension.  Studies show that diets rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium can help control blood pressure levels.  All of these nutirents are found in milk.