Are fats in yogurt, cheese, butter and milk a risk to our heart health?

How do saturated fats in dairy products affect the heart??

Saturated fatty acids have a bad reputation in most people. They are commonly considered unhealthy. The popular belief is that saturated fat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers have now found that saturated fats in yoghurt, cheese, butter and milk, however, do not increase this risk.

The University of Texas researchers found in their current research that consuming saturated fats in yoghurt, cheese, butter and milk does not increase the risk of heart disease. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition".

Saturated fats in dairy products do not seem to be as unhealthy for the heart as previously thought. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

Increases the overall mortality of adults with saturated fats?

The results of the study show that milk fat - contrary to popular belief - does not increase the risk of heart disease. The overall mortality of older adults does not increase by the consumption, explains study author Dr. Marcia Otto from the University of Texas, Houston.

Fatty acids from dairy products can reduce the risk of strokes

The results also suggest that the fatty acid present in dairy products may reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke, the expert adds. Milk, yoghurt and cheese contain nutrients such as calcium, which lowers blood pressure, and anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Dietary guidelines in the US and UK recommend that people choose low or no fat in dairy foods. However, the researchers warn that the alternatives are often high in sugar, which could drive heart disease.

Current nutritional guidelines should be revised

Consistent with earlier findings, the study highlights the need to reconsider the current dietary advice for full-fat dairy products that are high in nutrients such as calcium and potassium. Otto. These are essential for health, not only during childhood, but throughout life. This applies in particular in later years, in which malnutrition and diseases such as osteoporosis occur more frequently.

People need to be better informed

Consumers are faced with many different and contradictory nutritional information, especially about fats, the researchers explain. It is therefore important to have solid studies so that people can make balanced and informed decisions based on scientific facts rather than hearsay.

How was the research done??

For more than 22 years, researchers at the University of Texas, Houston, have medically monitored nearly 3,000 adults over the age of 65. The blood plasma of the participants was examined in 1992 for the determination of various fatty acid levels. A re-examination was then carried out six years and thirteen years later.

Soy is a sensible alternative to cow's milk?

A study published in January showed that soy milk is probably the healthiest alternative to cow's milk. The analysis of the four most popular alternatives found that soya has the best nutritional profile due to its high content of anti-cancer compounds known as isoflavones.

Consumers should now prefer to drink almond milk?

Although almond milk is also very trendy and contains healthy fatty acids that can help with weight loss and cholesterol, they lack essential nutrients, so the doctors. Consumers associate these alternatives as a direct substitute for cow's milk, which is not always true, the authors of the study further explain. (As)