The dairy-rich diet reduces the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, a study on the world’s largest dairy product consumers reported.
The argument associated with cardiovascular health has always linked consumption of dairy. Some believe that including dairy in their diet would just be a hearty, healthy choice while others stay on the doubtful side, just because it is fatty.
This analysis epitomizes, through an overview of the latest research and evidence, the intricate relationship between dairy and cardiovascular disease.
Supplementing the findings gives important insight to healthcare professionals and persons looking for answers on the impact of dairy consumption on heart-healthy activities.
Highlights Of The Study
In September 2021, PLOS Medicine published a study analyzing more than 4000 Swedish people at the age of 60 years. They chose Sweden as the base for the study because it is the largest country in terms of milk consumption.
Over the sixteen-year research period, they measured the levels of fatty acids in the blood of participants, which commonly originate from dietary dairy products, and recorded the deaths and cardiac events, including heart attacks or strokes, of the individuals involved in the experiment.
Although dairy products are rich in saturated fats, they contain essential nutrients that can form part of a healthy diet.
Key Finding Of The Research:
- Those participants with higher blood levels of two types of fatty acids found in dairy—heptadecanoic and pentadecanoic—had the lowest risk of heart and circulatory diseases.
- Trans-palmitoleic acid, also present in dairy, does not lower heart risk.
- Researchers compared their findings with 17 other, similar studies from the US, Denmark, and the UK, all of which also reported that higher levels of heptadecanoic and pentadecanoic acids were associated with a reduced risk of heart and circulatory diseases.
Strengths Of The Study:
- The study tested blood for fatty acids found in dairy, which is more reliable than self-reported dietary intake.
- The study included an analysis of 17 other studies from the US, the UK, and Denmark, making the findings more representative.
Limitations Of The Study:
- The study on the dairy rich diet did not distinguish between different types of dairy food consumed, making it difficult to translate results into specific dietary recommendations.
- The blood was tested only once, at the beginning of the trial, reflecting diet at a certain point in time.
- The majority of participants were born in Scandinavia and were 60 years old, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other age groups, ethnic groups, or people in other countries with different diets.
Potential Mechanisms: How Dairy Fat May Protect Heart Health?
- Nutrient Composition Of Dairy Products: Dairy products are rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. They have beneficial effects on heart health.
- Impact On Blood Pressure: Certain nutrients in dairy, like calcium and potassium, may help lower blood pressure which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Effects On Cholesterol Levels: The unique fatty acid profile of dairy products, including heptadecanoic and pentadecanoic acids, may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some components of dairy, such as probiotics and conjugated linoleic acid, may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.
- Role Of Fermented Dairy Products: Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir, contain probiotics that may improve gut health and have a positive impact on heart health.
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Disclaimer
This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian before starting, if you have any concerns.
Eat healthy and live healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.
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