Milk and milk products

 Milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yoghurt, are great sources of protein and calcium. To make healthier choices, go for lower-fat milk and dairy foods.

   Because they're good sources of protein and calcium, milk and dairy products form part of a healthy diet.

   Our bodies need protein to work properly and to grow or repair themselves. Calcium
helps to keep our bones strong. The calcium in dairy foods is particularly good for us because our bodies absorb it easily.

   Milk is often regarded as being nature's most complete food. It earns this reputation by providing many of the nutrients which are essential for the growth of the human body. Being an excellent source of protein and having an abundance of vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium, milk can make a positive contribution to the health of a nation. The realization of its nutritional attributes is clearly illustrated by the implementation of numerous 'school milk programmes' worldwide.

   Fermented-milk products such as yoghurt and soured milk contain bacteria from the Lactobacilli group. These bacteria occur naturally in the digestive tract and have a cleansing and healing effect.     Therefore the introduction of fermented products into the diet can help prevent certain yeasts and bacteria which may cause illness.

   Many people suffer from a condition known as 'lactose intolerance'. This means that they are unable to digest the milk fat (lactose). Such people can, however, tolerate milk if it is fermented to produce foods such as yoghurt. During fermentation, lactic acid producing bacteria break down lactose, and in doing so eliminate the cause of irritation.