Health Issues
Included as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle, dairy can aid overall health and wellness.
Bone health
Dairy products are packed with nutrients that help build strong bones. Some of the nutrients needed for healthy bones are calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, zinc and protein.
Fonterra nutrition experts say we need to provide our bodies with the right balance of nutrition and exercise to reduce the rate of bone breakdown, which begins after 25 years of age.
Bone breakdown increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and fracture more easily. Osteoporosis is characterised by broken bones – most commonly hips, wrists or the spine. These breaks are often painful and can lead to permanent disability.
While osteoporosis is usually associated with older people, it can occur in women in their 20s and 30s, especially if they are underweight with low body fat, have stopped menstruating or over-exercise.
ANLENE products are crammed with calcium and Phyto K. Just two servings of ANLENE contain 100 per cent of your recommended dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K. ANCHOR Xtra is another product high in protein, fortified with calcium and vitamin D and a natural source of B vitamins, making it an ideal option that packs a punch.
Immune system
Yoghurt is full of good bacteria that can help improve our health and wellbeing. These are known as probiotics and can be consumed in foods and drinks to add to the millions of live micro-organisms in the digestive system.
Probiotics are especially found in yoghurts, boosting the number of good bacteria to improve immunity and digestive health. They are also the first line of defence against harmful bacteria.
A study showing the benefits of ANCHOR’s proven nutrition was published in the British Medical Journal in late 2006. This groundbreaking research in India found that a certain fortified milk powder can reduce the effects of common childhood illnesses such as colds and diarrhoea.
Weight control
One of the first things many people do when trying to lose weight is to get rid of dairy foods from their diet. Many diet experts suggest this approach could be counterproductive.
Scientific evidence shows that consuming three daily servings of dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese as part of a reduced calorie diet actually increases weight loss. This is because calcium-rich dairy foods are thought to help certain tissues store, mobilise and oxidise fat to regulate our body weight.
Low-fat dairy food provides nutrition that can help with healthy weight management. With protein to fill you up, extra calcium to protect your bones and 44 per cent less calories than standard milk, ANCHOR Super Trim is the perfect addition to a healthy eating plan.
Heart disease
Studies have shown that dairy products can relieve blood pressure and hypertension (high blood pressure).
A Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) clinical trial showed that a diet of eight or nine servings of fruit and vegetables and three servings of low-fat dairy products per day produced greater reductions in blood pressure than a diet with only fruits and vegetables.
Interesting facts
- Did you know that dairy protein is a “complete” protein? It contains all the amino acids that are essential for human health.
- Did you know that even standard milk is less than 4 per cent fat? And for those who want to cut more fat from their diet there are many reduced and non-fat options.
- Did you know that dairy is the greatest source of calcium in the New Zealand diet? (Source: 1999 Ministry of Health Report NZ Food: NZ People)
- Did you know that the sugar in milk (lactose) is tooth-friendly and does not cause dental cavities?
The Anchor Institute
Fonterra is committed to providing evidence for all health claims we make. The Anchor Institute is an international network of nutritionists and health experts who work to support research and dairy nutrition. As well as dietary advice, the Anchor Institute provides information to help families stay fit, active and healthy.
