Eating Full-Fat Dairy Could Improve Overall Diet Quality

A new Canadian study suggests that eating full-fat dairy products may be possible without negatively affecting cholesterol, body weight or body composition. Researchers from the University of Toronto followed 74 adults with Person in a larger body or obesity for 12 weeks and found that three daily servings of full-fat dairy did not produce meaningful differences in blood lipid levels compared with a low fat dairy diet.

The findings challenge some traditional concerns surrounding full-fat dairy, which contains saturated fat and has often been limited in dietary recommendations because of its potential connection with cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. However, the researchers emphasized that their results add to a growing body of research suggesting that dairy foods may not have the same effects as isolated saturated fats.

Full-Fat Dairy Provided Important Nutrients

Participants in the study were randomly assigned to different dietary approaches, including a low-dairy calorie-restricted diet and diets containing three daily servings of dairy. Those consuming more dairy received full-fat dairy products while also receiving guidance based on Canada’s food guide.

After 12 weeks, researchers found no meaningful differences in weight gain, body composition or cholesterol levels between participants consuming three daily servings of dairy and those following the low-dairy approach. At the same time, the higher-dairy groups experienced improvements in blood pressure and increased their intake of calcium, protein and vitamin D.

The results may be particularly relevant for older adults, who can sometimes struggle to obtain enough protein and essential nutrients while consuming fewer calories. Researchers noted that dairy can provide a familiar and nutrient-dense food option for people with lower energy requirements.

Researchers Highlight the Whole-Food Approach

The researchers say the findings may partly be explained by the structure of dairy foods, sometimes described as the “dairy matrix.” This concept suggests that the combination of proteins, fats and other nutrients within whole dairy foods can influence how nutrients are digested and absorbed.

The study does not mean that everyone should increase their intake of full-fat dairy. Rather, it adds to research suggesting that nutrition should be considered in the context of whole foods and overall dietary patterns rather than focusing on individual nutrients alone.

The researchers concluded that a varied diet remains important. Their findings offer another perspective on full-fat dairy and suggest that it can be included in a balanced eating pattern without necessarily causing the cholesterol or weight concerns traditionally associated with it.

Source : technologynetworks