Health and Wellbeing

Think Irish Food for that Summer Mood!

We have many traditions to be proud of in Ireland - our music, dancing, sport and very importantly, our food. Famous around the globe for its green pastures
and producing delicious food year round, some of Ireland’s finest produce is right on your doorstep.

The long summer days and sunny skies often encourage people to get out and discover their local farmers market. Such markets are a great opportunity to try some locally produced fruit and vegetables, different cheese and bread varieties among many other speciality products. With our food industry supporting approximately 160,000 Irish jobs, there has never been a better time to choose Irish products! Be sure to look out for Irish milk and cream with the NDC packaging mark and help support over 4,600 jobs on Irish dairy farms and in local co-operatives. The dairy industry is an integral part of the Irish food sector. In fact, a recent survey reported that dairy foods remain one of the staple foods in Ireland.

What is Ireland eating?

The recent IUNA National AdultNutrition Survey gathered data from1,500 people to gain an insight into the types of foods eaten and dietary habits in Ireland. Potatoes, bread, meat and dairy products were found to be the staple foods in the Irish diet. The survey revealed that 98% of the population consume dairy foods including milk, cheese, yogurt and cream regularly. Of concern, however, the survey also reported that calcium intakes were below the estimated average requirement in 16% of women 18-64 years of age and 13% of women 65 years and over. Calcium is required for the maintenance of bones and teeth as well as normal muscle and nerve function. Unsurprisingly, tea was found to be a popular beverage of choice, with 81% of 18-64 year olds and 94% of people aged 65 and over being partial to a nice cuppa!

The SLÁN survey from 2007 reported that only 20% of Irish people were consuming the recommended three servings of dairy each day. It revealed that 55% of men and 68% of women were consuming less than three servings a day and that underconsumption increased with age. The Department of Health and Children recommends that children and adults consume three portions of dairy each day. Teenagers and pregnant or breastfeeding women should consume five portions due to extra calcium demands. A portion of dairy is equal to a glass of milk (189ml), a match-box sized piece of cheddar cheese (28g) or a pot of yogurt (125g).

Dining “al fresco”

A great way of combining our green pastures and delicious food is by moving mealtimes outdoors. Barbeques and picnics are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of fine weather by inviting friends and family around. It is also a great chance to try new recipes and experiment with food. Some tasty barbequed marinated meat with vegetable skewers served with a side salad always goes down well. If you decide on a picnic, have some fun in choosing your location. You could venture out to a national or local park or make the most of your very own back garden! Be sure to check out our “Top Tips for a Safe Summer Feast” for advice on food safety.

Your three a day made easy

Contribute to your recommended daily intake of three servings of dairy by using yogurt based marinades or salad dressings, or adding cheese to burgers and salads. What better way to finish off your summer meal than with a traditional Irish cheese board? Not only does a cheese board add an extra dimension to a meal, but by including a variety of Irish cheeses, it gives you the chance to share locally produced foods while supporting local farmers and food producers. Nutritional benefits are also a bonus - for example, a portion of cheddar type cheese (28g) is a source of protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B12.

Top Tips for a Safe Summer Feast!

Eating outdoors is a great idea and taking a few precautions when storing and preparing food can help put your mind at ease.

• Store raw meat separately from cooked meat and fruit & vegetables to avoid cross contamination.
• Use separate utensils, chopping boards and serving dishes for cooked and raw food.
• Ensure all food is chilled/stored appropriately prior to cooking.
• Remove food from the fridge as close to cooking as possible and serve hot food immediately.
• When cooking meat, make sure that it is cooked thoroughly and all the way through. Take care, as the heat of a barbeque can be hard to control meaning meat may look nicely done on the outside but could still remain raw on the inside.
• If you’re leaving the home for a picnic, store any perishable foods in the fridge until departure. Transport all perishable foods in a cooler bag containing ice packs.
• Leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as possible. If at all in doubt, throw it out!

Did you know?

When fruit and vegetables are in season, this means they are at their peak for harvesting and at their most plentiful. So not only will they be at their freshest, but also at their cheapest! Irish strawberries are currently in season, so treat yourself to a bowl of juicy strawberries, drizzled with some fresh Irish cream.

Nutri-Myth of the month

Myth: Only certain foods should be eaten in order to have a healthy, balanced diet.
Fact: All foods can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The secret is to take both quality and quantity into account. Be mindful of portion sizes and only include treat foods on occasion.

If you have any suggestions or ideas, we would be delighted to hear from you via email at feelinggood@ndc.ie or write to us at The National Dairy Council, Innovation House, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Don't miss our August feature ' New School Milk Loyalty Programme – Benefits for Schools, Parents & Children! '- available online from Monday 22nd August, 2011.

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