Whole-Fat Dairy & Reduced Risk of Heart Problems
Don't be scared of fat.
As part of the Cardiovascular Health Study, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard School of Public Health monitored 3736 American adults between 1992 and 2006 to discover links between dairy consumption and cardiovascular health.
They measured cholesterol levels, inflammatory markers, and glucose-insulin levels, which can indicate risks for cardiovascular problems. The researchers analyzed these levels for a link with consuming whole-fat dairy foods, looking specifically at a beneficial fat found in whole-fat dairy. Whole-fat dairy consumption was associated with higher trans-palmitoleate levels, a beneficial fat, associated with:
The study concluded that whole-fat dairy consumption (rather than low-fat dairy) could reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and help maintain a healthy weight. Read the study here.
If you like dairy, go for the real thing! Minimally processed, full-fat dairy is the way to go - milk, yogurt, and cheese. It tastes better, and is better for you.
They measured cholesterol levels, inflammatory markers, and glucose-insulin levels, which can indicate risks for cardiovascular problems. The researchers analyzed these levels for a link with consuming whole-fat dairy foods, looking specifically at a beneficial fat found in whole-fat dairy. Whole-fat dairy consumption was associated with higher trans-palmitoleate levels, a beneficial fat, associated with:
- Reduced body fat
- Higher "good" cholesterol levels, which lower risk of heart disease
- Lower cholesterol risk ratio, which lowers risk of heart disease
- Lower C-reactive protein levels, which indicates less inflammation & lower risk of heart disease
- Lower insulin resistance, which indicates a reduced risk of diabetes
The study concluded that whole-fat dairy consumption (rather than low-fat dairy) could reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and help maintain a healthy weight. Read the study here.
If you like dairy, go for the real thing! Minimally processed, full-fat dairy is the way to go - milk, yogurt, and cheese. It tastes better, and is better for you.
