January 22, 2019 –
Health Canada has released its new Food Guide, in which dairy has been integrated as a ‘protein food’. The Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC) supports the government’s objective to improve the overall health of Canadians. Dairy continues to be an excellent source of protein, with scientifically proven benefits, while also providing a host of other essential nutrients.
In 2015, Canadians were found to be lacking eight essential nutrients, a situation that the Government of Canada deemed preventable. Six of those eight nutrients are found in dairy products: vitamins A and D, calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium. Including dairy in the diet of Canadians is therefore expected to have positive effects in solving these nutrient deficiencies.
Dairy is more than a great source of protein. Long recognized as an important part of a balanced diet, independent studies, published as recently as November 2018, have associated dairy with a reduced risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and improved bone health. The science in favour of the nutritional benefits of dairy has never been more compelling.
As Canadians familiarize themselves with the new Food Guide, it is important to remember that research continues to support the place of dairy in a balanced diet.