Dairy Gold - The Benefits of Milk

As pretty big fans of milk we were very interested to read news that a large UK study has found evidence that people with more calcium in their diet – equivalent to a glass of milk a day – can help reduce their risk of bowel cancer. Good news for dairy fans!

What did the study find?

The Oxford University and Cancer Research UK study, suggests that the reason dairy products can have this effect is down to calcium, which can be found in all of our favourite dairy products. They found that an extra 300mg of calcium a day in the diet, or a large glass of milk, lowers your risk by 17%. 

 The researchers in the study analysed the diets of more than half a million women over 16 years and found that dairy products, as well as dark leafy greens and bread containing calcium also had a protective effect. (We’ll take that as cue to eat more cheesy toasties…)

So what is calcium and what is its effects?

Calcium is an important mineral for strengthening bones and keeping teeth healthy, but as this study shows, there is growing evidence it also protects against some cancers. 
The study says calcium may protect against bowel cancer "because it is able to bind to bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon, lowering their potentially carcinogenic effects". 
There is lots of calcium in our organic milk, butter, yogurt and cheese. And the BBC also reported that dairy products are one of the main sources of calcium in the UK diet, so we'll stick to our yogurt and granola in the morning. 

The lowdown

We spoke to our very own Dr Alice Mayor, our in-house registered nutritionist to dig into more of the magic of milk:  

 “The incredible thing about milk is that not only is it delicious, it is packed with nutrients such as protein, iodine, potassium, phosphorus, and riboflavin, as well as the hero here, calcium. Milk, for many of us, is also an important source of B12 in our diets. 

“Milk can help support a range of bodily functions – from keeping muscles, bones and teeth healthy, to supporting normal immune function. 

“It is also a whole-natural food that is minimally processed (unlike many alternative milks on the market that are reliant on additives and fortification to improve their nutritional profile to be more like cow’s milk). 

 “Milk has even been suggested as a good recovery drink after exercise due to its perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes.

“Furthermore, organic cows are out whenever possible, grazing on diverse pastures without the presence of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. This makes their milk more nutrient-rich. Research has shown that organic milk has a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids compared to non-organic milk. Omega-3 has been linked to multiple health benefits including its anti-inflammatory effects, as well as with its potential to protect us from cardiovascular disease.”

If you’d like to find out more about our organic milk, please head here: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-organic-dairy