What are the nutritional values of Marybelle Dairy Products?

Can dairy products help to lower my blood pressure?

Recent research indicates that low fat dairy products may help to lower blood pressure. If you are watching your blood pressure, try eating Marybelle skimed milk and fat free yogurts as part of your balanced diet. Consult a physician for the latest research findings and how they affect you.

Why are dairy products better sources of calcium than other types of food?

In order for your body to use calcium from food to maintain healthy bones, it must be able to absorb the calcium. This is called the bio-availability of the calcium. Most other sources of calcium found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, contain oxalate, phytate and fibre that bind to the calcium and interfere with its absorption into our body. Generally speaking plant based foods also usually contain less calcium than dairy products. So, for an easy way to meet your calcium requirements, just eat 2-4 servings (adults) of Marybelle milk products every day. The calcium in milk has a good bio-availability, plus it tastes great!

What's so important about calcium?

Calcium is an essential mineral that we require to build and maintain strong, healthy bones. It is also essential for normal nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Because our bodies cannot manufacture calcium, we need it in our diet throughout our lives, not just during childhood. The good news is that no matter what type of Marybelle white milk you prefer - they are all tasty beverages packed with more than 300 mg of calcium per 250ml serving.

Does caffeine make me lose calcium from my body?

Too much caffeine can reduce calcium absorption and increase calcium excretion from your body. If you meet recommended requirements for milk and milk products, a moderate amount of caffeine consumption is acceptable. Adults need 2-4 servings/day of milk and milk products. Marybelle milk plus yogurts, and cottage cheese are easy and delicious ways to get the calcium and nutrients you need to have strong, healthy bones throughout your life.

Do I need more calcium while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Getting enough calcium is very important when you are pregnant or breast feeding because you must meet the calcium requirements of your baby as well as your own needs. Make sure you get enough calcium by eating 3-4 servings of dairy products every day. One easy ways to do this to make soups with Marybelle milk instead of water.

Are dairy products a fattening way to get calcium?

Absolutely not! Dairy products are an important part of a balanced diet, because they provide essential vitamins and minerals in addition to calcium. If you are trying to lose weight, evaluate your overall intake of calories and choose lower fat dairy products like Marybelle skim milk as part of your balanced diet.

Milk and milk products contain cholesterol. Isn't cholesterol bad for you?

There are two types of cholesterol - the cholesterol in your blood and the cholesterol in food. We need some cholesterol because it is involved in brain development and the production of vitamin D in our bodies. However, if you have too much cholesterol in your blood, fatty deposits can build up in your arteries, causing heart disease. For some people, the cholesterol in food can also be a problem if they eat too much of it. The key to controlling blood cholesterol is to decrease your total intake of fat, especially saturated fats. Choose low fat dairy products and foods that are prepared with little or no fat. Marybelle Skim Milk plus Fat Free Yogurt, Fat Free Cottage Cheese and Fat Free Sour Cream are examples of healthy, tasty, low fat products.

What other nutrients are in Marybelle milk?

In addition to calcium and vitamin D, each glass of Marybelle milk provides vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium. This is what we call real food!

Are phosphorus and magnesium important minerals for good health?

Milk and milk products contain several vitamins and minerals that are important for maintaining good health. Phosphorus is required for making energy in our cells and for strengthening our bones. Magnesium is also involved in making energy for our cells, but additionally, it is important for controlling calcium blood levels and muscle contractions. 250ml of Marybelle 2% milk provides 22% of our daily requirement of phosphorus and 14% of our daily requirements for magnesium.

Why do I need Potassium?

Potassium is required for muscle activity and contractions. It is also involved in our maintaining our body's fluid balance. If we don't have enough potassium our blood pressure can rise. Marybelle milk and most yogurts are good sources of this important nutrient.

Why do I need Riboflavin?

Riboflavin is required by our bodies for producing energy in our cells and keeping tissues like our skin, eyes, and nervous system healthy. Like calcium, riboflavin is difficult to get in large quantities in our foods. Marybelle milk and milk products are important sources of riboflavin in our diet. 250ml of 2% milk contains 25% of our daily requirements for riboflavin.

Why do I need Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is essential for good vision and healthy skin. It is also involved in the regulation of cell growth and the immune system. Marybelle milk is an excellent source of vitamin A.

What does vitamin D have to do with healthy bones?

Did you know that without adequate vitamin D, our bodies can not absorb the calcium and phosphorus we need for strong healthy bones and teeth. This can lead to weak and fragile bones (osteoporosis) in later life. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, our bodies are able to manufacture vitamin D. However, our Canadian climate often prevents us from going outside, so vitamin D is added to milk. As one of our staple foods, milk is the best way to ensure that we get the amount of vitamin D we need. 250ml of Marybelle milk contains 44% of our recommended daily intake of vitamin D.

Why do I need Zinc?

One glass of Marybelle milk provides about 11% of our recommended daily intake of zinc. Zinc helps our bodies build protein and it is involved in the immune response.

Which milk is best for my child?

During the first 4 years children's bodies are rapidly growing and developing. High energy foods, such as Marybelle homogenized milk, provide more energy, and may be better suited for young children. Children over 4 years should follow Canada's Food Guide, which suggests 2-3 servings of lower fat dairy products each day. Consult a registered dietitian or pediatrician for more information.

Does skim milk contain fewer nutrients than other types of milk?

Skim milk contains all the same nutrients as 1%, 2%, and homogenized milk, but less fat and calories. 250ml of Marybelle skim milk contains only 0.5g fat and 91calories.