Sharon Gerdes

Sharon Gerdes

Sharon Gerdes is the Health and Wellness editor of Dairy Foods. She is a Certified Food Scientist and author who writes extensively about dairy’s role in health and wellness. Learn more at http://sharongerdes.com.

Articles

ARTICLES

Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

Balance superfruits’ flavor and health benefits

Less sugar makes fruit-flavored yogurt healthier
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Sharon Gerdes
March 8, 2019
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It seems that every year I learn about another exotic tropical superfruit brimming with healthy phytonutrients. But the reality is that most fermented dairy products in the United States rely on a fairly narrow list of traditional and cost effective fruits in their flavor lineup.
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Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

Full-fat dairy is a healthy choice

Cheese, butter and full-fat dairy make a resurgence as part of ‘keto’ diet
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Sharon Gerdes
February 7, 2019
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"Jack Sprat could eat no fat. His wife could eat no lean." This might be a modern day couple, with one spouse following a plant-based low-fat diet while the other adheres to a high-fat, low-carb regimen with generous portions of meat and dairy.
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Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

Look to dairy for calcium and vitamin D

Dairy calcium is highly bioavailable and works synergistically with vitamin D and other nutrients to build healthy bones. Adding probiotics may increase bioavailability
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Sharon Gerdes
October 9, 2018
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A few years back, my family physician recommended that I be tested for bone mineral density and start taking a calcium supplement. I explained that I got my calcium from dairy and had great bones.
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Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

Whey protein is whey better

In a crowded protein marketplace, the dairy industry is challenged to convey the benefits of milk and whey protein to consumers.
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Sharon Gerdes
September 4, 2018
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Over my 20 years of consulting for the U.S. dairy industry, and 15 years of writing for Dairy Foods, I've learned a lot about protein quality.
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Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

Making probiotic claims can be tricky

Probiotics have multiple health benefits, but navigating the narrow line between dietary supplement and drug claims can be challenging.
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Sharon Gerdes
August 6, 2018
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The science behind the health benefits of probiotics grows each day. Probiotics can benefit digestive health, heart health, mental health, weight management and the immune system. But formulating probiotics into fermented dairy foods and translating health benefits into appropriate claims can be tricky.
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Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

Dairy might help to promote healthy aging

Whey protein and fermented dairy foods could help minimize inflammation
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Sharon Gerdes
June 4, 2018
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Anti-inflammatory diets are trendy, and some of my friends are avoiding dairy because they've heard that it causes inflammation. According to Greg Miller, chief science officer for National Dairy Council, "The current scientific evidence suggests that the opposite may be true."
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Sharon Gerdes Health and Wellness columnist for Dairy Foods

The ins and outs of clean labeling

Customers want dairy with all-natural ingredients and nothing artificial
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Sharon Gerdes
May 7, 2018
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Clean-label dairy can be more about perception than actual health benefits. It's also a moving target. Dairy processors must scrutinize the latest market research to understand what consumers what in their dairy delights, and what they want taken out.


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