Federal diet pointers have lengthy suggested limiting full-fat dairy due largely to its saturated fats content material, which could possibly be dangerous to well being, together with by elevating the danger of heart problems, Dr. Eilerman says.
Nevertheless, “Some newer research counsel that dairy — whether or not low-fat or full-fat — could have impartial results on cardiovascular well being when consumed sparsely,” says Sapna Batheja, PhD, RDN, an affiliate professor of meals and diet research at George Mason College in Fairfax, Virginia. “The connection between dairy fats and well being outcomes is extra advanced than as soon as thought.”
She provides, “These advantages are nonetheless being studied, and the upper calorie and saturated fats content material in whole-milk dairy will not be superb for everybody.”
“This challenges the previous recommendation that low-fat dairy is all the time higher,” Dr. Echeverry says.
General Eating regimen High quality Could Be a Issue
Dr. Batheja says it’s necessary to notice that saturated fats from entire meals, like milk, yogurt, or cheese, could not have the identical well being influence as saturated fats from ultra-processed meals, resembling fried snacks or packaged pastries.
She notes that many research linking saturated fats to poor well being outcomes are based mostly on diets excessive in processed meals, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates — however full-fat dairy consumed as a part of an total balanced weight-reduction plan doesn’t seem to hold the identical dangers.
“This doesn’t imply all dairy is equally useful, nevertheless it does imply there could also be extra flexibility than older pointers prompt, and the main focus must be on total dietary high quality fairly than only one nutrient,” Batheja says.
