Dairy linked to lower rates of cardio diseases

Washington: Turns out, dairy consumption can lower the rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality, compared to lower levels of consumption. According to a global observational study, people who consumed three servings of whole fat dairy per day had lower rates of mortality and cardiovascular disease compared to those who consumed less than 0.5 serving of whole fat dairy per day. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The authors conclude that the consumption of dairy should not be discouraged and should even perhaps be encouraged in low- income and middle- income countries where dairy consumption is low. Lead author Dr. Mahshid Dehghan said, “Our findings support that consumption of dairy products might be beneficial for mortality and cardiovascular disease, especially in lowincome and middle- income countries where dairy consumption is much lower than in North America or Europe.” The authors say that more research into why dairy might be associated with lower levels of cardiovascular diseases is now needed. The recommendation to consume low- fat dairy is based on the presumed harms of saturated fats on a single cardiovascular risk marker. However, evidence suggests that some saturated fats may be beneficial to cardiovascular health, and dairy products may also contain beneficial compounds, including specific amino acids, unsaturated fats. The effect of dairy on cardiovascular health should, therefore, consider the net effect on health outcomes of all these elements. — ANI