Full-fat dairy is not bad for you, new research says

Topic: Health

A Canadian study found that eating three servings of full-fat dairy per day did not negatively affect body weight or health. The study involved 74 adults and was published in The Journal of Nutrition.

For a long time, we were told to choose low-fat dairy products because they have less saturated fat. But now, new research from Canada suggests that eating full-fat dairy can be part of a healthy diet.

The study, led by Professor Harvey Anderson from the University of Toronto, involved 74 adults who consumed different amounts of dairy under varying dietary conditions for 12 weeks. The researchers found that eating three servings of full-fat dairy per day did not negatively affect body weight, body composition, energy metabolism, or blood lipid levels.

In fact, participants who ate more dairy showed improvements in blood pressure and consumed more calcium, protein, and vitamin D. This is good news for people who struggle to get enough nutrients as they age.

The researchers think that the physical structure of dairy foods might be why full-fat dairy seems to have neutral or beneficial effects on health. They call this idea the 'dairy matrix hypothesis'.

Why It Matters

This research is important because it challenges what we thought we knew about full-fat dairy and its effects on our health. It also suggests that eating full-fat dairy can be a good way to get essential nutrients, especially for older adults.

Key Facts

• A Canadian study found that eating three servings of full-fat dairy per day did not negatively affect body weight or health.
• The study involved 74 adults and was published in The Journal of Nutrition.
• Professor Harvey Anderson led the study at the University of Toronto.
• Full-fat dairy contains saturated fat, which has traditionally been associated with higher cholesterol and heart disease.
• The researchers think that the physical structure of dairy foods might be why full-fat dairy seems to have neutral or beneficial effects on health.

Key Terms

Saturated fat

A type of fat found in some foods, which can increase cholesterol levels when eaten in excess.

Dairy matrix hypothesis

An idea that suggests the physical structure of dairy foods affects how their nutrients are digested and absorbed by the body.

Implications

This research is important because it challenges what we thought we knew about full-fat dairy and its effects on our health. It also suggests that eating full-fat dairy can be a good way to get essential nutrients, especially for older adults.