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And nobody, including kids, needs to drink milk. Ever.

http://www.idfa.org/news/gotmilk/2002/jama.htm

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL
For Immediate Release

For more information, please contact:
Nutrition and Health News Bureau, 312/988-2494
E-mail: ndc@webershandwick.com

GOT MILK? GET GOOD HEALTH
New JAMA Study Shows Milk, Cheese and Yogurt May Help Prevent
Obesity, Type-2 Diabetes and Heart Disease

ROSEMONT, IL., April 23, 2002 - A new study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that young adults who consume more dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may be less likely to become obese and develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These findings are consistent with a growing body of research that demonstrates dairy's role in reducing the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.

The multi-center epidemiological study examined the correlation between dairy intake and Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS), a condition many Americans don't know much about, but which may affect about one in four adults. IRS occurs when the body's cells are resistant to the insulin produced by the pancreas - which means blood sugar is not properly controlled and the body may compensate by trying to produce even more insulin. Studies indicate that IRS may increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated blood cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

The researchers looked at the eating patterns of 3,157 African American and Caucasian young adults, both male and female over a 10-year period. Two comprehensive food intake reports were averaged - one taken at the start of the study and one taken seven years later - to determine participants' habitual intake of dairy foods.

The results showed that individuals who consumed more dairy products had a lower risk of developing IRS and were less likely to be obese and have high blood pressure. While overweight individuals typically consumed fewer dairy products than their normal-weight counterparts, those who consumed the most dairy products had a two-thirds lower incidence of IRS than those who consumed the fewest dairy products. In addition, those who consumed more dairy foods were more likely to have healthier eating habits overall with higher intakes of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and lower intakes of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.

Nutrient Package May Play a Role

While the researchers were unable to explain how dairy foods impact IRS, they speculate that several components, such as calcium, lactose or protein, may play a role. Additionally, they note that dairy foods are more filling than other foods and beverages, which may help minimize the likelihood of overeating. Finally, the researchers refer to the growing body of research that links dairy food consumption to body weight regulation and reduced risk of high blood pressure.

Specifically, the DASH studies (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) funded by the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, have shown the including at least three servings of lowfat dairy foods and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables in the diet provides heart-healthy benefits including lowering blood pressure.

"We've known for some time that adding more dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may help reduce the risk of, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and possibly even colon cancer," said Deanna Rose, a registered dietitian for the National Dairy Council. "Now we can add to that list the important role dairy foods may play in helping control weight and reducing the risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes."

Rose offers the following tips to help consumers sneak more milk and dairy foods into the diet.

Fruit for Thought - Try one of the new milk drinks - they come in fun flavors like banana, strawberry or even peanut butter!
Cheese Please - Wake up your favorite vegetable or baked potato by topping it with shredded cheese.
Snack Right - Mix lowfat or fat free yogurt, fruit and lowfat granola for a crunchy treat.
Java Junkie - If you're a java junkie, make sure to lap up a latte instead of a regular old black coffee.

Source: Pereira, M.A. et al. Dairy Consumption, Obesity, and the Insulin Resistance Syndrome in Young Adults. JAMA 2002; 287: 2081-2089.

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The National Dairy Council® was founded in 1915 and conducts nutrition education and nutrition research programs through national, state and regional Dairy Council organizations, on behalf of America's dairy farmers.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE: To schedule interviews, call 312/988-2494

Deanna Rose, R.D., National Dairy Council

National Publication Highlights Link Between Dairy and Weight Loss, 7/2002
In its July 2002 issue, Reader's Digest highlights new clinical research that shows dairy can play an important role in weight loss. Dr. Michael Zemel, chairman of the nutrition department at the University of Tennessee, found that dieters that included dairy lost about 70% more weight than those who shunned dairy in their diet plans. What's more, the high-dairy group lost 64% more body fat -- and the type of fat they shed was the most threatening to heart health. "This isn't a new food fad; this is science," writes reporter Lisa Davis. "Contrary to dieter's dogma, dairy can supercharge almost any diet." The article also offers several tips on how to incorporate dairy into the diet throughout the day. The Reader's Digest story is not yet available online, but can be found in the print edition of the magazine on newsstands now, under the headline "Shed Pounds with this Everyday Food."

Cheese has no carbohydrates or sugars.

A glass of 1% milk has 12 carbs, all of it sugar.

Eat the cheese, ditch the milk.