Study Reveals Unexpected Benefits of Dairy Products

SadaNews - A new study has linked the consumption of dairy products to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicated that both whole and low-fat dairy are associated with improved heart health, while fermented dairy products like yogurt provided the greatest health benefits for those who consume them regularly.

The study found intriguing links between the consumption of certain types of dairy and various health outcomes. However, when looking at dairy consumption overall, most studies showed that consuming any type of dairy reduced the risks of health issues such as heart disease and some cancers (like bladder, breast, and colorectal cancer), as well as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

However, five studies linked dairy consumption to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as liver, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

When researchers conducted a more detailed analysis to assess the impact of specific types of dairy on certain health outcomes, they found the following:

Milk

Fifty-one studies specifically addressed milk consumption, and through these and other studies, researchers observed 13 positive associations between milk consumption and reduced risk of some health issues, including lower chances of developing oral, bladder, and colorectal cancers. However, the majority of studies found no significant impact of milk on health outcomes.

Cheese

Meanwhile, cheese consumption showed promising results in 20 studies, many of which found it contributed to reducing the risk of health issues such as heart disease and even some types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer.

Yogurt

Yogurt also stood out as a particularly beneficial option, with 25 studies showing that it reduces the risk of health issues such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer, including bladder, breast, and colorectal cancers.

Fermented Dairy Products

Fermented dairy products exhibited the most consistent benefits, backed by 13 studies. Researchers found that these products were associated with a lower risk of negative health outcomes, such as heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer, including bladder and breast cancer.

It's worth noting that dairy products are an essential part of dietary guidelines in many countries, being rich in high-quality protein, essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, and vitamins such as B12 and A, making them a comprehensive nutritional powerhouse.

Most dietary guidelines recommend consuming two to three servings of dairy daily to maintain body health.

Research shows that dairy products may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, and some options also contribute to supporting digestive health.