Weight Loss and Calcium
Recent research has linked an increased intake of calcuim to weight loss. Cheryl Kotch from Yahoo reports that “researchers at the University of Tennessee recently declared that incorporating three to four servings of low-fat dairy products into your daily diet — and consequently increasing calcium consumption — might help with weight loss. The study showed that weight loss among participants who followed these guidelines was greater than among those who did not incorporate dairy into their diet.
It’s important to understand that the dieters who participated in the study also reduced total calories. Another important note is that consuming calcium supplements does not appear to have the same effect on weight loss as consumption of calcium-containing dairy foods. The mechanism by which the low-fat dairy and calcium consumption affects weight loss is not completely understood, and many people feel that more long-term studies are needed before promoting the “dairy diet” for weight control.
National surveys of consumer eating habits have shown that Americans who consume the least calcium in their diets weigh more than those with a higher intake of calcium and dairy products. High-fat dairy products are high in saturated fats, which have been linked to heart disease and cancer. Regardless of whether weight loss is your goal, it makes sense to include low-fat dairy in your diet.”
Could it be that people who make an effort to eat low-fat dairy products also eat foods that are high in all kinds of vitamins and minerals? It’s a fact that proper nutrition makes you more satisfied, and less likely to overeat or eat junk.