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Health & Nutrition News Alert

March - April 2000 (Vol. 4 No. 2)

DASH Makes A Difference For African Americans
Researchers from Tufts University assessed data from the landmark Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, which found that three servings of lowfat dairy products and eight to ten servings of fruits and vegetables per day significantly lowered blood pressure – as much as some medications for those with mild hypertension. The Tufts analysis showed that African Americans on the DASH eating plan experienced the most significant results. Hypertension – one of the most chronic conditions in the United States – has the highest occurrence in African Americans, with 32 percent suffering from this disease compared to 24 percent of all American adults. These findings suggest that lowering blood pressure can be done simply through changes in your diet.

Nutrition Reviews, “Dietary patterns and blood pressure in African Americans,” 57: 356-358, 1999.

{Editor’s note: For free sample menus and more information on the DASH eating plan, consumers can call 1-800-WHY-MILK.}

Calcium Helps Curb PMS Symptoms
Have you had your calcium-rich milk today? A new research review looked at scientific evidence of the effectiveness and safety of a variety of nutrients, herbs and supplements. Calcium came out on top providing the most significant reduction in PMS symptoms. The author also notes that calcium offers other long-term benefits for women, including bone health. Milk, cheese and yogurt are all easy and convenient ways to meet daily calcium recommendations.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, “The potential for dietary supplements to reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms,” 19: 3-12, 2000.

{Editor’s note: According to the USDA’s Continuing Survey of Foods Intakes by Individuals,1996, 9 out of 10 women in this country fail to meet their needs for calcium.}

Strong Minds Make For Strong Bones
A little knowledge goes a long way! A recent study found that educating people about how to reduce the risk of brittle bones – or osteoporosis -- actually helps them make healthy changes, like drinking more milk. In the study, over 600 women had bone density tests, answered questions about their lifestyle and received information on osteoporosis. The women were then surveyed one year later to assess lifestyle changes. Women who participated in the study made healthy changes including drinking more milk, getting more calcium and vitamin D, reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking. This study shows the power of prevention may be in education.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, “Bone mineral density testing and osteoporosis education improve lifestyle behaviors in premenopausal women: a prospective study,” 14: 2143-2149, 1999.

{Editor’s note: Milk contains both calcium and vitamin D in one package and experts agree that food is the best way to meet your nutritional needs.}

Healthy People 2010 Takes a Look at Calcium Intake
During the recent Healthy People 2010 meeting, health professionals from across the nation met to discuss government health objectives intended to increase the health and life spans of Americans. One of the key objectives recognized the need to improve current calcium intake. The goal was set to increase the proportion of Americans who meet dietary recommendations for calcium (from 46 percent to 75 percent). Calcium is important in helping prevent osteoporosis, high blood pressure and possibly colon cancer. Healthy People 2010 recognized milk, cheese and yogurt as important sources of calcium and vitamin D. The daily recommended amount of calcium for adults is 1,000 mg a day or three servings of milk and milk products. For more information, please check out www.health.gov/healthypeople or call 1-800-367-4725.

You Mocha Me Crazy!
Espresso-style drinks are one of the hottest trends these days. In fact, the number of gourmet coffee outlets has tripled since 1995, so it’s no wonder that everywhere you look people are treating themselves to mochas, espressos and lattes. Frothed milk is the key ingredient in making these drinks in your cappuccino machine tasty and nutritious. It not only makes the drinks thicker and creamier, but also helps to add calcium to your diet. To make a restaurant-quality drink at home, even if you do not have a cappuccino machine, follow these tips to make the most of your mocha:

• Make Mine Chocolate. Try adding lowfat chocolate milk to coffee for a quick and easy mocha.
  
• Sugar and Spice. Heat up milk, coffee, one tablespoon of caramel or chocolate syrup and a dash of cinnamon for a tasty, flavored drink
  
• Freshen Up. When using your cappuccino machine, use fresh milk right from your refrigerator with each new drink to retain frothing capacity.
  
• Keep it Cold. Did you know that storage and handling are the biggest factors that affect milk’s ability to create a light foamy head or froth to hot drinks? Store milk at no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

McGregor’s Milk Frothing Research, Dairy Management, Inc., 1999.

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You can rely on the National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of (ADA/DC) Nebraska for credible, up-to-date news on dairy nutrition research, public policies on nutritional issues and special dairy nutrition campaigns. Please browse the Nutrition/Health Research tab for more information. If you need addition information or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Director of Nutrition Education Jennifer Meyer at (402) 592-3355 or toll free at (888) NEB-MILK.