|
|
 |
|
Sign
up for the NDC Update for the latest dairy nutrition news, fast facts,
free tools for patients, expert nutrition advice and information on updated
dairy nutrition resources.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News Alert Archives
3 Servings of Dairy Each Day Recommended in New Food Guide
'MyPyramid' reinforces need for 3-A-Day of Dairy in a healthy diet
Rosemont, Ill., April 19, 2005 - The USDA's newly revised Food Guidance System, MyPyramid, was released today to motivate and educate consumers to make positive diet and lifestyle choices. It visually depicts the nutrient-dense super foods Americans should consume on a daily basis (3 servings of low-fat and fat-free milk, cheese or yogurt; 3 servings of whole grains; 4 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables; and 5.5 ounces of lean meat or beans), and stresses the importance of physical activity. The system includes a comprehensive interactive online tool (at www.mypyramid.gov) that allows consumers to personalize the Dietary Guidelines to their individual taste and nutrition goals.
"As a registered dietitian, I'm pleased to see the biggest changes are simply to eat more nutrient rich foods and be more active in your everyday life," said Rebecca Reeves, American Dietetic Association president-elect. "Foods such as dairy, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables are naturally packed with many nutrients essential for good health. And in my experience, exercising for just 30 minutes most days of the week can be achieved in small bouts during the day in three ten-minute sessions or two 15-minute sessions."
In order to meet nutrient recommendations and maintain a healthy weight, MyPyramid recommends that people enjoy more nutrient-rich foods, or whole foods, first. "Three servings of dairy a day help meet the nutrition requirements for 4 of the 7 most critical nutrients adult Americans are lacking: vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and potassium," explained Greg Miller, PhD, MACN, Senior Vice President, Nutrition and Product Innovation, National Dairy Council. "They also provide 3 of the 5 nutrients kids are lacking: calcium, magnesium and potassium."
Dairy foods are a good source of nine nutrients essential for good health, including calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and vitamins D, A and B12. Getting 3 servings of dairy goods daily is as easy as enjoying low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese with every meal or snack throughout the day. For those sensitive to lactose or considering milk alternatives, both the Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid suggest the most reliable and easiest way to derive the health benefits associated with dairy consumption is to choose alternatives within the dairy goods group, such as lactose-free milk, hard/aged cheeses or yogurt.
"For years we have believed that an individualized approach to dietary recommendations reflects the latest nutrition science, so we are excited about the potential for people to personalize the new tools to fit their own needs," said Miller. "In addition, we can help people put these recommendations into practice with National Dairy Council's Dietary Guidelines 5-day Meal Plan."
The Meal Plan is available along with delicious recipes at www.3aday.org. Visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org for more tips and information on the many health benefits of dairy foods and www.mypyramid.gov for more on the interactive tool developed for consumers.
###
*Background: The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a committee of experts in their fields established every five years by the USDA and HHS to review the latest science and advise the government on revisions to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, was tasked with using an evidence-based approach to develop recommendations to the HHS that include foods known to reduce the nation's major diet-related health problems.
Sources:
Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005.
www.usda.gov
www.mypyramid.gov
Editor's Note: For more information about the report or to schedule an interview with a National Dairy Council spokesperson please call the NDC Media Hotline at (312) 240-2880 or e-mail at ndc@dairyinformation.com. The NDC Hotline is staffed by a registered dietitian between 10 a.m. - 6p.m. EST, Monday - Friday, excluding holidays.
You can rely on the National Dairy Council for credible,
up-to-date news on dairy nutrition research, public policies on nutritional
issues and special dairy nutrition campaigns. Please browse the
News Alert archives or use the search located above the left hand
navigation for more information. If you can't find what you are looking for or
have additional questions, please contact our Nutrition & Health News
Bureau via phone at 312-240-2880 or via e-mail at
ndc@dairyinformation.com.
|