UC Davis food chemist shares science behind distinct health benefits of real milk

Immune system support and disease prevention are top of mind for Americans stuck at home under the threat of Covid and in a cycle of inactivity led by excess time in front of computer, phone and television screens. The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has partnered with researchers at the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) Food for Health Institute to help consumers better understand the impact of real milk on the body to help counter deterioration. Real milk, when consumed as part of a healthy eating pattern, has been scientifically proven to help protect bones and muscles, and is a natural source of immune-boosting nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin D and protein. The nutrients in milk and dairy foods work together to produce unique health benefits that are hard to reproduce.

“Just because a liquid is white does not mean it is nutritionally similar to real milk,” states Dr. Bruce German, Director of the UC Davis Food for Health Institute. “Milk is uniquely balanced to deliver proteins, nutrients and fats to our bodies in a comprehensive dietary package. Adding just two to three servings of real dairy a day can have positive effects on human health.”

German’s three decades spent studying the role of diet and health has also uncovered important common attributes between human breast milk and

milk from a cow. “Cow’s milk resembles human breast milk, which provides clues to how milk supports lasting health and ways to deliver better health and nutrition,” German added. Watch Dr. German speak about his findings here. In the video, German explains that just as developing babies need a comprehensive nutritional diet to help them grow and build their bodies, adults need the same components to rebuild their deteriorating bodies. Real milk provides all the vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for bodies to develop or rebuild in a highly absorbable and complete package. It even delivers hard to digest minerals like calcium in unique protein structures that are soluble and digestible.

A pattern of nutritious choices plays a role in supporting immunity. Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese can play an important part in a healthy eating pattern. “Consuming dairy every day is easy, since it is such a quality, versatile food,” shared Jennifer Giambroni, VP of Communications at Real California Milk. “Start your family’s morning off right with milk and cereal or a bowl of yogurt, dip into a wholesome, protein-rich cottage cheese snack in the afternoon, and add a couple of ounces of grated cheese to a dinner salad and you have three nutritious servings of dairy delivered deliciously.”

Visit realcaliforniamilk.com/recipes for inspiration on how to integrate real milk and dairy foods into everyday meals and snacks.

California is the nation’s leading milk producer. It also produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families, leading the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices.