A study of more than 300 girls in Hawaii found those who consumed
enough dairy products in their diets could stay leaner than their
peers. In addition, girls who had more calcium through dairy sources
usually weighed less and had less body fat around their waists than
those who ate fewer dairy products. Unfortunately, their body weight
generally rose with their soft drink intake.
The connection between lower fat in their midsections and dairy
intake was very strong among young Asian women, who accounted for
almost half of the study group. A connection exists between soft
drinks and milk consumption too: Milk consumption has fallen drastically
in favor of sodas and sugar-flavored fruit drinks.
This trend toward sugar-laced drinks is believed to be one of the
reasons the rate of childhood obesity has grown exponentially. Various
studies have shown, however, calcium could be the factor in maintaining
normal body weight and fat, perhaps due to this nutrient's effect
on hormones that store calories as fat.
The key to the weight issue: Researchers found calcium from dairy
sources, not non-dairy foods, was related to lower weights and less
abdominal fat. Unfortunately, the girls who were surveyed also got
relatively small amounts of calcium from non-dairy sources (broccoli,
spinach and cereals and juices fortified with calcium), which may
be too small for these foods to have an effect on body weight and
fat.
Parents and their girls kept records of foods children ate for
three days. Researchers discovered the girls' average calcium consumption
fell very short of the daily level recommended for children for
this age group by almost half. When girls did consume higher amounts
of calcium, it made a difference on their waistlines, however.
Scientists also theorized the different eating habits of Asian
girls over other races could have influenced the findings too.
Why replacing milk for soft drinks means a few extra pounds: Milk
has a range of nutrients that are metabolized fairly slowly but
soda, because it contains sugar, is quickly burned leading to a
sugar surge, followed by a steep drop that spurs hunger.
Yahoo
News August 11, 2004
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