Started in 1937, National Dairy Month (originally National Milk Month) was established to help promote the consumption of milk during the warmer summer months. Now, it is a great way to celebrate the dairy industry and start your summer off with some delicious and nutritious dairy products.

You might have been told that milk is healthy, but how healthy? We want to celebrate Dairy Month this year by giving you some fun facts about the health benefits of dairy products: 

Milk is nutrient-rich: The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Health and Human Services (HSS) recommend three servings of dairy daily. Even just one 8 ounce glass of milk is full of nutrients: 

  • Calories: 146
  • Protein: 8 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Calcium: 28% of the daily recommended amount
  • Vitamin D: 18% of the daily recommended amount
  • Riboflavin (B2): 26% of the daily recommended amount
  • Vitamin B12: 18% of the daily recommended amount
  • Potassium: 10% of the daily recommended amount
  • Phosphorus: 22% of the daily recommended amount
  • Selenium: 13% of the daily recommended amount

Chocolate milk is a great recovery drink: Chocolate milk is full of all the nutrients you can get from regular milk. In fact, a low-fat chocolate milk beats out many recovery drinks. It has carbohydrates, proteins, electrolytes, calcium, and the water to rehydrate.

Ice cream is a great stress reliever: The nutrients in ice cream are great for improving your mood and getting in a serving of dairy. It’s a great way to get needed minerals, which can help prevent mood swings. Additionally, ice cream contains L-tryptophan which helps your nervous system to relax and can help you sleep. 

Milk is a great source of protein: Milk has a lot of protein, but even more than that, it has quality protein. Milk is considered a complete protein meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids. 

Milk is great for bone health: Most of your body’s calcium is stored in your bones and teeth. Milk helps maintain the appropriate levels of calcium, so your bones and teeth can stay strong. Drinking milk regularly can help prevent various bone diseases and fractures. 

Milk can help prevent weight gain: Various studies have shown that whole milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of childhood obesity as well as less weight gain and lower risk of obesity for middle-aged and elderly women. This can be contributed to the large amount of protein that makes you feel full longer, calcium which has been associated with lower risk of obesity, and an acid that helps breakdown fat and hamper fat production.

Overall, dairy products are incredibly healthy for you, especially if you are ingesting the recommended three daily servings. So don’t be afraid to eat that ice cream or drink that chocolate milk! Remember though, everything should be eaten in moderation. If you need some delicious dairy products to help you celebrate Dairy Month, stop by our farm store today!