Why is Dairy Consumption Unhealthy?
High fat content
Can dairy products be beneficial to health?
Dairy products can be beneficial to health, providing calcium to maintain bone density and reduce fractures, as well as being a source of protein. According to Harvard Health, dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese are all good sources of calcium and protein, although some individuals may be sensitive to dairy and need to limit their intake.
Dairy is a nutritious food group which benefits bone, dental and muscle health, however, it has also been subject to negative press due to its saturated fat content. As indicated by Kerry Health And (2020), dairy fat is not unhealthy and can provide important nutrients that are beneficial for overall health. Studies have found that full-fat dairy products may help protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Can full-fat dairy help with weight loss?
Eating full-fat dairy can help keep you lean and healthy, according to research by Verywell Fit (Feb 2021). Dairy foods help maintain strong bones and support muscle growth. To ensure optimal health, it's important to consume the right portion size of any food and purchase organic dairy foods when available.
High cholesterol
Are dairy products healthy?
Dairy products can be considered a healthy food, as they are a good source of calcium and protein that can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. According to Harvard Health, dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese are beneficial for adults up to the age of fifty. Studies have shown that dairy can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
What can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels?
High cholesterol levels can be caused by a poor diet, such as eating too much saturated fat or trans fats, according to Mayo Clinic's research in 2023. Fatty cuts of meat may also contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Does milk affect cholesterol levels?
Milk does not raise cholesterol levels and is not a significant contributor to unhealthy levels of cholesterol or cardiovascular disease risk, according to research from Mar 2, 2020 published on Livestrong.com. The research showed that dietary cholesterol had previously been given a bad reputation, but more recent studies have disproven this. There is evidence that consuming certain types of dairy products can even help to lower cholesterol levels.
High saturated fat
What are the benefits of consuming dairy?
Dairy consumption has both pros and cons, depending on a person's nutritional needs. Healthline states that dairy contains several essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which can improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Some people are sensitive to lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, and may experience digestive issues when consuming dairy. Research has linked dairy intake to a higher risk of certain types of cancer.
Does dairy consumption increase prostate cancer risk?
The regular consumption of dairy products has been linked to an increased risk for prostate cancer, according to a meta-analysis conducted by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in 2020. In the study, men who consumed three or more servings of dairy products a day had a 141% higher risk for prostate cancer. Dairy products are high in saturated fats, which can lead to weight gain and other health conditions.
Is milk recommended for a healthy diet?
Milk is not a recommended part of a healthy diet, as it has been found to raise the risk of heart disease and other health issues. According to Lee Crosby, R.D., nutrition education program manager at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, milk is the top source of saturated fat in the American diet. Research has shown that dairy products are associated with an increased risk of prostate and ovarian cancer.
High lactose
What are the benefits of eating dairy products?
Dairy products are generally a healthy food source, with many benefits such as providing calcium for bone density and protein for muscle growth. As stated by Harvard Health, dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese are an excellent way to get calcium and protein in the diet. Studies have also shown that consuming dairy regularly can reduce the risk of fractures.
Can lactose intolerance cause uncomfortable symptoms?
People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products, according to Mayo Clinic. Lactose intolerance is usually harmless but can be uncomfortable. Some people may not produce enough of an enzyme in their small intestine to break down lactose.
Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, which can cause abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and other symptoms. An info from Healthline, some people also experience an urgent need to go to the toilet, vomiting, lower belly pain, and constipation due to undigested lactose in the digestive system. It is important to note that lactose intolerance can be diagnosed through a physical exam or laboratory tests.
High calorie
Does dairy consumption protect against type 2 diabetes?
Consuming dairy, particularly yogurt, may have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes, according to a meta-analysis conducted by a team of researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2019. Another study found that people who consumed the most high fat dairy had lower levels of inflammation in their bodies.
Can dairy consumption cause acne?
Milk is generally considered to be a healthy dietary choice, with low calories and carbs, high essential fatty acids, and moderate protein content. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2016 found that dairy intake may be linked to acne in teenagers. Milk contains important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D that are beneficial for bone health.
Can dairy be part of a balanced diet?
Dairy and alternatives can form a healthy part of a balanced diet, according to the NHS. Including low-fat spreads instead of butter and avoiding high-fat cream are good ways to reduce fat intake. Dairy products are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals for our bodies.
Low dietary fiber
What are the health benefits of consuming dairy?
Dairy consumption can provide many health benefits, including improved bone health, increased nutrient intake, and even a lowered risk of certain diseases. Cited on Healthline, dairy is a great source of nutrients and can offer a variety of health benefits. It may also be associated with certain downsides such as lactose intolerance and the potential for high saturated fat intake.
What foods should be included in a healthy diet?
A healthy diet includes at least 400 g of fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains per day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. Eating these foods can provide essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can help keep the body functioning properly. Eating a varied diet can also help to prevent or manage certain diseases.
Can drinking milk reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes?
Drinking milk may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, as it has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Sourced from findings from a study conducted by Harvard Health Publishing in 2020, regular consumption of milk is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2009 found that higher levels of dairy intake are linked to lower levels of insulin resistance.
Low antioxidants
Does consuming dairy products increase the risk of prostate cancer?
Regular consumption of dairy products has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to a meta-analysis conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in 2020. The analysis looked at 32 studies and found that high intakes of dairy products, including whole and low-fat milk, increased the risk for prostate cancer. One study found that men who consumed three or more servings of dairy products a day had a 141% higher risk for prostate cancer.
What are the potential risks of consuming dairy products?
Milk consumption has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease due to its high saturated fat content, according to a study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Dairy products should be consumed in moderation due to their high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories, as well as their potential to be contaminated with antibiotics and hormones. Research suggests that dairy may cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some people.
What are common antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that can protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, and there are hundreds of different substances that can do this. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health states that the most common antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and carotenoids, as well as minerals like selenium. Studies have also shown that consuming foods high in antioxidants can help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Low vitamins
What are the benefits of consuming dairy products?
Dairy products are generally beneficial to health, as they provide essential nutrients such as calcium; this is why the USDA and NIH recommend that people consume dairy. According to Medical News Today, dairy is a good source of calcium, and it also contains other essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, phosphorus, and potassium.
Does consuming dairy products increase the risk of prostate cancer?
Regular consumption of dairy products has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to a meta-analysis published by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in 2020. The study found that men who consumed three or more servings of dairy products a day had a 141% higher risk for prostate cancer. Consuming dairy products has been associated with increases in cholesterol and inflammation.
What nutrients does milk provide?
Milk is a highly nutritious food, providing essential vitamins, minerals and fats for a healthy diet. Mentioned in Medical News Today, a single cup of milk contains 0.2 g of fat, 8.2 g of protein, 12.4 g of sugars, 298 g of calcium, 246 mg of phosphorus, 381 mg of potassium, and 2.9 mcg of vitamin D. It is also a source of choline, magnesium, and vitamin A.
Low minerals
Is dairy healthy?
Overall, dairy is quite healthy and provides beneficial nutrients such as vitamin A, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Cited on Healthline, just 1 cup of whole milk offers all 3 macronutrients - carbs, fats and proteins - making it a complete food source. Dairy products are also a great source of calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
Dairy products are generally a good source of calcium and are recommended by the USDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), on Medical News Today in 2019. Dairy products contain various other nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals that can be beneficial for overall health.
Does consuming dairy increase prostate cancer risk?
Regular consumption of dairy products has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to a meta-analysis published by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in 2016. This analysis of 32 studies found that high intakes of dairy products including whole and low-fat milk increased prostate cancer risk by 141%. Dairy consumption has been linked to other chronic health conditions, such as acne and infertility.
Low polyunsaturated fats
What are the guidelines for fat consumption?
Polyunsaturated fats are a healthy choice for nutrition, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans from USDA. We should limit saturated fat intake to no more than 10% of our daily calories and keep total fat consumption to no more than 25-30% of our daily calories for optimal health. Regular consumption of polyunsaturated fats has been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
What are monounsaturated fats?
Monounsaturated fats are considered the best type of "good" unsaturated fats, and are found in high concentrations in olive, peanut and canola oils, avocados, nuts and seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts and pumpkin. Via The Nutrition Source at Harvard T.H., these fats may help reduce risk of heart disease when used in place of saturated fat.
Polyunsaturated fats have two carbon bonds and monounsaturated fats have only one, according to Verywell Health (2022). This difference in molecular structure impacts the nutrient content of each type of fat. Monounsaturated fats are higher in monounsaturated fatty acids, while polyunsaturated fats are higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fats tend to be liquid at room temperature while monounsaturated fats are solid or semi-solid.
Source:
- Harvard : Dairy, Health food, health risk, - Harvard Health.
- Mayoclinic : High cholesterol - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic.
- Healthline : The Lowdown, Dairy, Nutrients, Benefits, Downsides, Healthline.
- Mayoclinic : Lactose intolerance, Symptoms, causes, Mayo Clinic.
- Medicalnewstoday : it, you.
