Dairy products are typically high in saturated fats, which are harmful to our health overall. However, in a study of over 900,000 participants from several different countries over a period of 35 years, studying whether or not the consumption of dairy products increased the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, serious heart issues or any other cause, the study revealed conclusions opposite of popular belief! The research team combined data from 29 prior studies of dairy products and performed a meta-analysis, concluding that the consumption of dairy products had a neutral effect on overall health, and did not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or other heart issues. This study was the largest of its kind to date, and the results were published in the European Journal of Epidemiology.
Due to the general public’s health concerns, consumption of dairy products has been reduced and or limited, which carries its own set of dangers. An insufficient amount of dairy product consumption can hinder bone development, impact cognitive abilities and cause neuro-development difficulties. A lack of dairy products in the diet of elderly people can lead to weakened bones, also called osteoporosis.
Furthermore, aged cheeses contain spermidine, which is linked to minimize the risk of liver cancer and potentially increase lifespan. In a study where mice were given an oral supplement of spermidine, there was a decreased occurrence of liver fibrosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common form of liver cancer. Their lifespan was also increased by an average of 25% – which converts to a human-being living to 100 instead of 81 years old. Other studies have linked spermidine to increased heart health and decreased blood pressure.
It is also worth noting that dairy products enriched with n-3LC-PUFA (a long chain of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) found in mammal tissues, actually reduces cardiovascular risk factors.
Sources:
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/cheese-does-not-raise-heart-risk-stroke/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261561410000385
https://www.worldhealth.net/news/cheese-spermidine-prevents-cancer-boost-longevity/
