When you eat fat, you get fat. For decades, mainstream doctors told us it was that simple.
All we had to do to lose weight and prevent heart disease was to go on a low-fat diet, they said. Dairy, they warned, was particularly harmful.
Two major studies add to the growing evidence that this advice is complete bunk.
The first found that dairy is actually linked to lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and death from any cause.
Researchers at McMaster University’s Population Health Research Institute looked at data from more than 136,000 people in 21 countries. The subjects were 35 to 70 years old. At the start of the study, they provided information about their diets. Scientists followed them for nine years.[1]
People who ate dairy had half the chance of dying of heart problems as those who ate no dairy.
Dairy lovers also had far lower rates of heart disease and stroke.
Dairy Actually Reduces Heart and Stroke Risk
Dr. Mahshid Dehghan was the lead researcher. She concluded that “up to three servings of dairy per day lowers the risk of death and heart disease, regardless of fat.”
Dr. Dehghan noted that some people don’t eat dairy because they want to avoid saturated fat. This is a mistake, she said.
“Dairy products contain a range of potentially beneficial compounds,” she said. “We are suggesting the net effect of dairy intake on health outcome is more important than looking solely at one single nutrient.”[2]
Dr. Dehghan points to the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that dairy provides. These include:
- Protein, which is crucial for well-functioning muscles, including the heart.
- Minerals, including potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. All are vital for a wide range of health functions.
- Vitamins, including A, B12, and D. These are important for immunity, brain function, and bones.[3]
Yogurt Does a Heart Good
The second study explored links between heart disease and fermented dairy products. It’s part of ongoing research at the University of Eastern Finland.[4]
Cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and kefir are examples of fermented dairy.
Scientists followed 2,000 subjects for 20 years.
Men with the highest consumption of fermented dairy had a 26% lower risk of heart disease than those who ate no dairy.
The bottom line is this: Don’t fall prey to the dairy myth that mainstream doctors have pushed for years.
You’re not doing your health any favors by keeping away from dairy. In fact, your heart—and your overall health—will benefit from dairy in your diet.
Editor’s Note: There is a heart attack risk factor that is 10 times more dangerous than cholesterol. But mainstream doctors don’t test for it. And statins actually make it worse.
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