Volantino

MILK AND HEALTH The role of milk and its derivatives on health is widely studied. Scientific research today indicates that including this food group in one’s diet, as indicated by the Mediterranean pyramid (125 ml of milk and yoghurt once or twice a day, 50-100 g of cheese no more than 3 times a week, preferring low-fat products), can benefit our health. This depends on the nutritional characteristics of milk and its derivatives which, thanks to their composition, provide essential nutrients to our body. In particular: • milk and its derivatives are particularly rich in calcium, the main component of our bones, and represent one of the main sources of this mineral in the diets of Italians; • some studies highlight a potential preventive effect against the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and a probable preventive action against colorectal cancer, although research in this field is still required. Any negative effects concern a higher consumption of milk and derivatives to what is currently suggested. In particular, care must be taken not to exceed with the consumption of saturated fats that cheeses may be rich in, taking into account that no more than 10% of the daily energy introduced with food should come from saturated fats. For example, for an average daily requirement of 2000 kcal, a maximum of 200 kcal can be taken through saturated fats. Knowing that 1g of fat provides 9 kcal, we should not eat more than 22g of saturates per day. THE WIDE WORLD OF MILK AND ITS DERIVATIVES LET’S EAT WELL 55