4 Reasons Why Dairy is Good for You

As a much-loved dairy brand, there’s no doubt about it: we love dairy! And with Kerrygold butter and cheese being enjoyed all around the globe, millions more feel the same way too. Unfortunately, dairy isn’t universally loved, with critics citing concerns over dairy’s saturated fat content and the industry’s animal husbandry and milk production practices, amongst others.
With opposing views taken into consideration, one point rings true: not all dairy products are created equal. They vary greatly in quality, with products from grass-fed cows leading the herd largely thanks to their high healthy fat and nutrient content. Because these cows enjoy a grass-based diet, just as nature intended, they produce a pure and creamy milk that’s packed with fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins which present plenteous health benefits.
In addition to the cow’s diet, health and wellbeing, the manner in which their milk is processed greatly affects the quality of dairy products. Kerrygold products, specifically, are free of artificial additives, hormones and antibiotics and are made using only natural ingredients. This is just one reason why they are renowned for their superior quality, taste and texture.
Read on as we share four reasons why dairy is good for you.
-
Dairy is rich in calcium
Dairy is rich in calcium, the mineral needed for many crucial body functions. In addition to building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, calcium enables our blood to clot, muscles to move and it keeps our heart beating regularly. Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are all good sources of calcium and, when consumed at the recommended daily amount, can help prevent osteoporosis.
-
Dairy contains fat-soluble vitamins
Full fat dairy products like Kerrygold butter contain fat-soluble vitamins which are stored in the body and used as needed. This includes Vitamin A which plays an important role in keeping our vision and immune systems in tip top shape. Fortified dairy sources also contain vitamin D which is essential for the absorption of calcium.
-
Dairy is rich in protein
In addition to the essential vitamins and minerals mentioned above, dairy is also a great source of high-quality protein. This includes whey and casein, both of which contain all nine essential amino acids needed for building and maintaining muscle mass. This is especially important as the body can’t make these amino acids on its own – we rely solely on food sources such as dairy to meet our needs.
-
Dairy helps keeps you satiated for longer
Dairy products such as milk and yoghurt can help us feel fuller for longer, which has the knock-on effect of curbing those pesky cravings and supporting weight management. One good example is Bulletproof Coffee. In addition to boosting cognitive function, the simple addition of Kerrygold butter to freshly brewed coffee is said to trigger weight loss and control cravings.
The key is to choose well-sourced, full-fat dairy products over low or non-fat versions, which often contain high levels of sugar and other additives. The over-consumption of which is linked to a host of health concerns such as obesity as well as chronic conditions including cardiovascular heart disease.
At Kerrygold we pride ourselves on delivering top quality dairy products that taste great and that are good for you, too. Stay tuned for our upcoming #DairyisGold campaign where we team up with four South African health and wellness foodies to bring you a selection of nutritious dishes made with our very own butter and cheese.