Health News UCAN Use

Whether it's protein to help build and repair the muscle tissue of active bodies or vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, dairy products are a natural nutrient powerhouse. In addition to their great taste, research shows dairy may also help to reduce the risk of several diseases including:

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 50 million Americans and is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. The multi-center DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, found that a lowfat diet providing 3 servings of lowfat dairy products and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables, can lower blood pressure, especially when combined with a low sodium intake.

Colon Cancer
The results of a studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association examined the effects of increasing the consumption of dairy foods among 70 people at risk for colon cancer. Significant positive changes were observed in the high-dairy intake group, including a reduction in the growth of abnormal cells.

Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate Smoothie
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 ripe banana, sliced
1 or 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
3 skim milk or low fat milk ice cubes or 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt and 2 ice cubes

1. Make milk ice cubes the night before.

2. Combine all ingredients in electric blender. Whirl until smooth.
source: Washington Dairy Council

Carrie H. Demcher, MS/RD/LD
University of North Texas
Student Health and Wellness Center Dietitian
1155 Union Circle #305160
Denton, TX 76203-5017
Phone: 940.891.6745
e-mail: carrie.demcher@unt.edu