"Dairy Diet"

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All of us like a bit of variety. Something different to look forward every day so that it doesn’t feel like you are reliving the same 24 hours again and again and again. And lets face it, that’s why we like to eat out or order in. Just the change in menu from the regular ghar ka khana to something a little more exciting (say Chinese or Italian…yummm) can make for a nice break in the average mundane week. And why not, absolutely nothing wrong with stimulating the taste buds with a little something out of the regular fare I think. As long as you are still getting your daily basics on your dinner plates that is.


So what are those basics? Well, simply put, they are your carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and veggies, and oh yes, your dairy. Now you know enough reasons why it’s super important that you get your daily dose of those first three categories, but what about the fourth? Why do you really need to bother with dairy after you pass the age of 15 when your mom finally stopped yelling at you about drinking your milk so that you could grow “big and tall and strong”?

The truth is that despite all the bad press they may get from dietaholics (oh yes, I do believe that’s a valid term to use for those obsessed with calorie counting, for gods sake, we are NOT all going to walk around calculating every breath of air we take!) dairy products really do contain a bunch of good stuff. Lets start with calcium, the main ingredient found in all dairy products, helps to keep the body strong and prevents brittle bones, nails, teeth and hair as well as decreases the chances of osteoporosis later in life.

Dairy also contains high amounts of protein, which is the main nutrient needed for good muscular health. Vitamin D is another important reason to get that dairy on your plate as it works as an important aid in the absorption of calcium by the body, increasing its bone density and strength. Research has even shown that those people who consume healthy amounts of dairy products on a regular basis are less likely to develop high blood pressure over a period of time than those who have a low intake of dairy.

Last but not least, where oh where do you find this vital nutrient for your daily diet? Good sources of calcium, protein, magnesium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 can be found in milk, paneer (cottage cheese), cheese, butter, yoghurt and even in ice-cream (low-fat) --- but go slow and reach for the low-fat versions so that you avoid the extra saturated fat, calories and cholesterol and still get all the rest of the goodies you need.