Wisconsin Cheese Maker Encourages People to Consume Dairy for Health Benefits
Friday, March 27th, 2020 -- 9:14 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -Despite low farm commodity prices that dragged on for years and having the economy disrupted from the recent Coronavirus pandemic, a prominent Wisconsin cheese maker says he is encouraged by the results of a study in China that found drinking cow's milk could have a positive impact on those suffering from ailments such as COVID-19.Ken Heiman, who co-owns Nasonville Dairy near Marshfield, said the Chinese are pointing out something that many people in the dairy industry have known for years--milk contains natural antibodies that help the body fight off disease. The study was a joint research project by the Chinese dairy industry, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and several other national health agencies in Asia. Together, the groups have formed a set of guidelines for Chinese residents that encouraged them to consume 300 grams of milk each day, which equates to just over a cup and a half. It further encouraged consumers to eat other dairy products because its fortified probiotics are proven to improve gut health.
With many Americans on edge over COVID-19, Heiman says people have nothing to lose by increasing their intake of dairy products--even if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is not talking about the benefits of milk in regards to fighting the pandemic. Wisconsin's dairy sector makes up the largest portion of the state's overall agricultural industry and represents over 16 percent of Wisconsin's economy.
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