In addition to providing us with calcium for building strong bones and teeth, new research is linking dairy foods with brain health. In a recent study of 972 adults in the U.S., researchers found that  consuming dairy may lead to better mental performance, and mental functions such as reasoning, visual-spatial memory, organization and working memory.

According to Georgina Crichton, doctoral candidate at the Nutritional Physiology Research Centre at the University of South Australia, “…consumers of dairy products performed significantly better on tests of cognitive function than people who never or rarely consume dairy foods.”

Researchers reported that the results may be attributed to the vitamins and minerals found in milk including vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium. The results of the study also indicated that individuals that never or rarely consumed dairy engage in other less healthy lifestyle and dietary habit vs. those that do.

Are you getting enough Dairy?
The new USDA Dietary Guidelines maintain a recommendation of three servings of dairy, including low-fat and fat-free milk and other dairy products, for those over the age of 9. Browse our recipe section for hundreds of delicious ideas to incorporate Real California dairy into your diet, every day.