Hey, milk and cheese lovers, here’s some happy news!
A new study says that eating dairy could help you avoid some serious health issues like high blood sugar and heart problems.
Best of all? Full-fat versions like whole milk and butter might be even better for you. Let’s break it down.
Why Did Scientists Even Look at This?
You’ve probably heard people say that milk is good for your bones or that yogurt is packed with good bacteria.
While that’s true, there’s been some debate about how dairy affects your heart and blood sugar. Past research mostly involved people from North America and Europe.
The latest study wanted to see if dairy’s benefits hold true for people from all over the world.
This wasn’t just any old research project. Scientists involved adults from 21 countries, including places as varied as Argentina, China, and Sweden. With people aged 35 to 70 involved, the researchers got a good look at how dairy affects adults.
Participants shared what they ate, including all the different types of dairy they consumed, like milk, cheese, yogurt, and even foods cooked with dairy like butter chicken. They also provided other details about their health and lifestyle.
Now, what the scientists were really interested in was something called metabolic syndrome.
In simple terms, this is a group of things like high blood pressure, belly fat, and unhealthy blood sugar levels that together make it more likely for you to have heart issues.
The study also followed some people for almost nine years to see who developed health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.
So, What Did They Find Out?
People who had at least two servings of dairy a day were less likely to have metabolic syndrome. Even better, those who had full-fat dairy had an even lower risk.
Specifically, there was a 24% lower chance of having this problem for those who had dairy regularly, and a 28% lower chance for those who ate or drank full-fat dairy.
Over those nine years they followed people, those who had dairy regularly were 11-12% less likely to get high blood pressure or diabetes.
Why Should You Care?
If you like dairy, this is fantastic news. It seems like having some milk or cheese could be a simple way to make your heart and blood sugar happier.
But keep in mind, this study doesn’t prove without a doubt that dairy is what’s making people healthier. People who eat more dairy might also be doing other things that keep them healthy.
Still, if you’re a dairy fan, it looks like you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying some full-fat milk or a slice of cheese.
Of course, if you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, this doesn’t mean you should start gulping down milk. Always talk to your doctor or a health expert if you’re not sure what’s best for you.
So, go ahead, add that extra slice of cheese to your sandwich or enjoy a yogurt for breakfast. Just remember, balance is key. It’s not just about dairy; eating a variety of foods and keeping an active lifestyle are important too.
That’s it for now, dairy lovers! Keep an eye out for more exciting food news, and in the meantime, enjoy your milk and cheese responsibly.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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