by Lyndsy Gamet, MiCAFE Stakeholder and Network Partners Manager

Did you know that June is National Dairy Month? Most of us know that throughout our lives, calcium is very important for our bone health. This is true for both men and woman, and the amounts of calcium needed increase as we age, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Besides bone health, recent research has found that milk consumption might play a role in our brain health as we age. The University of Kansas Medical Center has completed a brief study that found that drinking milk may aid in the production of an antioxidant in the brain. Antioxidants in the brain are thought to help to stave off diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  The results were so compelling that the University is currently undertaking a more in-depth multi-year study on milk and its effects on the brain of older adults.

The increase in antioxidants were found in those individuals who were consuming the daily requirements for dairy or exceeding them. For people who are 50 years or older, the U.S. government suggests at least 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk. One cup of milk is equal to one cup of yogurt, 2oz of cheese, or two cups of cottage cheese.

Studies are finding that dairy has more importance on our health than just our bones. Make sure that you are getting enough dairy every day!