Dairy food in moderation ‘may protect the heart’
September 13th, 2018
Three small portions of dairy a day may actually protect against heart disease and stroke.
Dairy products such as cheese and milk have got a bad name because of the saturated fat they contain, but a large new study suggests that in moderation, they may actually protect against heart disease and stroke.
The study was carried out mostly in low and middle-income countries, where less dairy is consumed, but the lead researcher says she believes the findings hold good for those in wealthier countries who avoid dairy, thinking it benefits their health. A moderate amount – three servings a day – can protect the heart rather than damage it, says Dr Mahshid Dehghan from McMaster University, Canada.
“We encourage people who have very low dairy consumption to increase their consumption,” she told the Guardian. “Especially in low and middle income countries but also in very high income countries.”