In a recent study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, researchers at McMaster University found eating at least two daily servings of dairy is linked to lower risks of diabetes and high blood pressure.
The dietary pattern can also reduce factors that heighten heart disease risk (metabolic syndrome).
Moreover, the benefits were strongest for full-fat dairy products.
In the study, the team tested people between 35 and 70 who came from 21 countries: Argentina; Bangladesh; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; India; Iran; Malaysia; Palestine; Pakistan; Philippines, Poland; South Africa; Saudi Arabia; Sweden; Tanzania; Turkey; United Arab Emirates; and Zimbabwe.
Dairy products included milk, yogurt, yogurt drinks, cheese, and dishes prepared with dairy products, and were classified as full or low fat (1-2%).
Butter and cream were assessed separately as these are not commonly eaten in some of the countries studied.
The health of nearly 190,000 participants was tracked for an average of 9 years.
The researchers found total dairy and full-fat dairy, but not low-fat dairy was linked to a lower risk of most components of metabolic syndrome.
At least 2 servings a day of total dairy were linked to a 24% lower risk of metabolic syndrome, rising to 28% for full-fat dairy alone, compared with no daily dairy intake.
At least 2 servings a day of total dairy was linked to an 11-12% lower risk of both conditions, rising to a 13-14% lower risk for 3 daily servings.
The associations were stronger for full fat than they were for low-fat dairy.
The team says that increasing dairy consumption may be a feasible and low-cost way of reducing metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease worldwide.
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