National Dairy Month 2021

Blog post written by Julie Summers, IUPUI Dietetic Intern 
 
June is National Dairy Month! 

National Dairy Month started as a way to distribute extra milk during the summer months. The celebration was established in 1937 as “National Milk Month.” By 1939, June became the official “Dairy Month.” Dairy foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream and more. In general, one cup of milk or 1 ½ ounces of cheese can be considered as one serving from the dairy group. ​Three daily servings of dairy is recommended by MyPlate. 
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Dairy products contain essential nutrients that can promote health, help manage weight, and reduce risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. Dairy farm families focus on producing wholesome dairy foods. Having worked on a dairy farm myself, I know how much eating dairy foods can benefit both the nutrition of our nation and the farmers who work hard every day to take care of their cows. ​

Image from independent.co.uk

Essential Nutrients Found in Dairy Products

Potassium

• helps nerves to function and muscles to contract 
• helps heartbeat stay regular 
• helps absorb nutrients from food and excrete waste products  

Calcium

• helps maintain strong bones  
• stored in bones and teeth (where it supports structure and hardness) 
• helps muscles to move and nerves to carry messages between the brain and body 

 
Vitamin A

• important for normal vision and the immune system 
• helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs work properly

Vitamin D

• builds and maintains healthy bones  
• helps absorb calcium 

Image from loseitblog.com

Phosphorus

• helps form bones and teeth 
• plays important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats 
• needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues 

 
Magnesium

• supports muscle and nerve function  
• involved in energy production 
• fights depression, benefits against type 2 diabetes, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation and prevents migraines   

 
Vitamin B12

• helps keep the body's nerve and blood cells healthy 
• helps make DNA (the genetic material in all cells) 
• prevents anemia which makes you feel weak and tired  

 
Zinc

• needed for DNA synthesis, immune function, metabolism and growth 
• reduces inflammation and the risk of some age- related diseases 

 
Protein 

• plays a role in keeping the body’s cells in good shape  

• help the body repair cells and make new ones 
• important for growth and development

​Key Takeaway: Dairy provides essential nutrients that are important for health. Celebrate National Dairy Month all year long by choosing three servings of dairy foods every day!


​Looking for some inspiration to eat more dairy? Check out these recipes on NutritionHub or visit winnersdrinkmilk.com!
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• Summer Sunshine Smoothie - featuring low-fat milk and low-fat vanilla yogurt
• Garden Fresh Pizza Muffins - featuring shredded mozzarella cheese
• Loaded Bacon, Cheese, and Ranch Potatoes - featuring sour cream and shredded cheese
• Frozen Yogurt Bark - featuring Greek yogurt
• Canned Fruity Cobbler - featuring milk and butter

​Sources:​

• thedairyalliance.com/dairy-farming/june-dairy-month/ 

• ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/ 
• medlineplus.gov/potassium.html 
• medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002424.htm 
• ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/ 
• ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/ 

• ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/