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Dairy Spot: The Mid-Atlantic Spot for Dairy

FAQ Archive

  • November 2008:
    Where can I find kid-friendly, healthy snacks in my rush between work and sports practice?
  • October 2008:
    What does the Daily Value represent on my yogurt’s nutrition label?
  • September 2008:
    "Isn’t diet and exercise the best way to promote heart health?"
  • August 2008:
    "Healthy choices from fast-food menus?"
  • July 2008:
    Body detoxification
  • June 2008:
    Is it possible to eat well without breaking the bank?
  • May 2008:
    "Downed" cows
  • April 2008:
    “Are there healthier espresso options?”
  • March 2008:
    “Deceptively Delicious”
  • February 2008:
    What does "nutrient-rich" mean?
  • January 2008:
    Raw milk vs. pasteurized milk
  • December 2007:
    The dairy industry’s involvement in eating “local”
  • November 2007:
    E. coli and dairy foods
  • October 2007:
    School lunches vs. packed lunches
  • September 2007:
    Fat-free half-and-half
  • August 2007:
    Milk’s impact on teeth
  • July 2007:
    Dealing with lactose intolerance
  • June 2007:
    The relationship between calcium and heart disease
  • May 2007:
    Mothers’ influences on daughter’s eating habits
  • April 2007:
    “Extreme eating” at restaurants
  • March 2007:
    The validity of industry-sponsored dairy studies
  • February 2007:
    What is cloned milk and is it safe?
  • January 2007:
    Cholesterol guidelines for children
  • December 2006:
    Home-cooked healthy meal suggestions
  • November 2006
    E. coli and dairy foods
  • October 2006:
    Hormones and children’s health
  • September 2006:
    Back to school and healthy eating
  • August 2006:
    Healthy eating and summer fun
  • July 2006:
    Dietary guidelines and beverage choices
  • April 2006:
    Women’s health and eating plans
  • March 2006:
    Birthday party treats and healthy eating
  • February 2006:
    Heart healthy food plans
  • January 2006:
    Kidney stones and calcium

    • February 2006: Which dairy foods are part of a heart healthy food plan?

    Q: Heart disease runs in my family. How do I know which dairy foods can be part of a heart healthy food plan?

    A: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Better food habits can help reduce one of the major risk factors for heart attack - high blood cholesterol. Making a few dietary changes diet could improve your heart health today and for the future.

    Of the dietary changes possible, limiting intake of saturated and trans fats is the most important step you can take to reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of coronary artery disease. Of the types of fat - saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and trans fat - saturated fat and trans fat increase the risk of coronary artery disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol can lead to deposits of plaques (atherosclerosis), which narrow arteries and increase risk of heart attack and stroke.

    Dairy products contain mostly saturated fat. Look for low-fat, fat-free or reduced-fat alternatives. Choose skim milk over whole milk, reduced fat cheese, and low-fat or fat-free yogurt and sour cream. Read package labels carefully. Check grams of total fat and saturated fat per serving in various products. Fat-free and low-fat dairy foods provide the same nutritional benefits (protein, calcium, vitamins, and other minerals) but are lower or are without the fat.

    Grocery shopping isn't always easy. With so many food product options, it's hard to spot healthful choices without spending a lot of time. The American Heart Association, a trusted source of heart-health information, has set up a classification system called the Food Certification Program. It’s a simple symbol that means a food product is heart-healthy and looks like this:

    Food Certification

    For this mark to be displayed, a food must pass nutritional guidelines and reviews as well as meet all appropriate governmental regulations. The distinctive heart-check mark on a package is assurance that a food meets criteria for heart-healthy levels of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol for healthy people over age 2. There are numerous cheeses, milk and flavored milks, yogurt and yogurt drinks, as well as other products in the dairy case that have the heart check mark symbol on the package.

    The American Heart Association also has several websites to help you make healthy dairy choices including:

    • Online Grocery List Builder. Here you can check off each food item bearing the heart-check mark. Search through all the different products and create your printable list and bring it to your local grocery store. There are many dairy brands listed. http://checkmark.heart.org/
    • Eating Plan for Healthy Americans. This eating plan from the American Heart Association is based on the latest advice of medical and nutrition experts. There are sections listing the heart healthiest choices from each of the basic food groups; it also includes the number of servings per day from each food group, serving sizes and suggested food choices. The dairy recommendations can be found at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1080

    Do you have a dairy-related question for “Ask the Dietitian?”

    If so, please submit your question to dairyspot.com. We will try our best to answer your question in an upcoming “Ask the Dietitian” column. We cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered.