May Monthly Morsels

Bend Over Backwards for Milk!

One of the health highlights of May is that it is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month. It is estimated that 10 to 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, with 80% of cases being women.

Bones are living, growing tissue and osteoporosis occurs when there is bone loss or too little bone created. Bones are made of three major components that keep them strong: collagen, calcium-phosphate mineral complexes and living bone cells. As we age, we lose more bone than we form. Women after menopause specifically lose up to 20 percent of their bone density because of the sharp drop in estrogen.

There are several ways that you can promote bone health such as through regular exercise as well as getting sufficient calcium and Vitamin D food sources and if needed, supplements. One of the major sources of calcium is dairy products including milk, yogurt and cheese. For this reason, milk is the highlight for this month’s monthly morsels.

Besides being a major source of calcium, milk is also a source of potassium. Increasing one’s potassium intake along with decreasing sodium intake will significantly lower one’s risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, cow’s milk is often fortified with vitamin D making it an extra promotion for bone health as well as possibly preventing depression. This is because vitamin D supports the production of serotonin, which is the hormone associated with mood. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with depression.

Cow’s milk is also made up of many essential amino acids to help young calves grow, so this can also help maintain human muscle health as well as contribute to healthy metabolism.

Incorporate milk into healthy fruit smoothies if you don’t like drinking it plain, or enjoy milk on its own, or with your favorite bowl of healthy cereal!

Check out the healthy smoothie recipe below that is really quick to prepare.

Berry Chia Smoothie

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