Dr. Pilar Matía Martín, from the Endocrinology and Nutrition Service of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital in Madrid, advises pregnant women and teenagers to consume three to four servings of dairy products along with a balanced diet.
Dairy products and diet
In an interview for Efe, in which she analyzed the benefits of yogurt, Dr. Matía mentioned this food is a “good complement of diet”, which can also be a source of protein for elderly patients and frail people.
Dr. Matía said that the usual recommendations “include different groups of dairy products and indicate two or three daily servings for the majority of the population”, although this can be increased “up to four” in special situations.
“One yogurt is equivalent to half a serving of dairy products,” so in order to cover the recommended amount, foods such as milk, yogurt or cheese can be consumed, “which are dairy products that must be taken into account,” according to Dr. Matía.
Dr. Matía says that yogurt has a fairly dense and rich array of nutrients, including proteins, simple carbohydrates and calcium, which make it a food with a high nutritional density.
In this sense, the NAOS pyramid of the Ministry of Health suggests the daily intake of dairy products, such as yogurt, along with fruits, vegetables, bread or olive oil, to adopt a healthy lifestyle and prevent obesity.
Yogurt and effects on health
Regarding the influence of yogurt on this disease, Dr. Matía pointed out that regular consumption of this food results in “lower insulin resistance”, which can help reduce the onset of obesity in the future.
“It is true that, as an integral part of a balanced diet, yogurt can contribute to these beneficial effects,” Dr. Matía emphasized.
She pointed out that, although yogurt is not “commonly” included in the Mediterranean diet, studies related to the metabolic syndrome establish that there is a certain association between the consumption of yogurt and the decrease in cardiovascular risk.
“The reason is milk fat,” Dr. Matía added, since “much of the research suggests that it should not be taken away when we are talking about the reduction of cardiovascular risk, because it seems to be beneficial rather than harmful.”
Link: https://www.efesalud.com/experta-aconseja-tres-raciones-diarias-lacteos-embarazadas-adolescentes/
Date: February 21st, 2020
By: Javier Tovar | EFE
Source: Dr. Pilar Matía Martín
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