Dairy Products Challenge Cancer: Study Reveals Unexpected Benefits

Dairy Products Challenge Cancer

Dairy Products Challenge Cancer: Study Reveals Unexpected Benefits

A new study has linked dairy consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that both full-fat and low-fat dairy were associated with improved heart health, while fermented dairy products such as yogurt provided the greatest health benefits for those who consumed them regularly.

 However, five studies linked dairy consumption to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as liver, ovarian, and prostate cancer. When researchers conducted a more detailed analysis to assess the impact of specific dairy types on specific health outcomes, they found the following:

The study found interesting links between the consumption of specific dairy types and certain health outcomes. However, when looking at dairy consumption in general, most studies showed that consuming any type of dairy reduced the risk of health problems such as heart disease, certain cancers (such as bladder, breast, and colorectal), as well as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Milk

Fifty-one studies specifically examined milk consumption. Across these and other studies, researchers observed 13 positive associations between milk consumption and a reduced risk of certain health problems, including reduced incidence of oral, bladder, and colorectal cancers. However, the majority of studies found no significant effect of milk on health outcomes.

Cheese

Meanwhile, cheese consumption showed promising results in 20 studies, many of which found it contributed to a reduced risk of health problems such as heart disease and even certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers.

Yogurt

Yogurt also emerged as a particularly beneficial option, with 25 studies showing it reduced the risk of health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, including bladder, breast, and colorectal cancers.

Fermented Dairy Products

Fermented dairy products have shown the most consistent benefits, with 13 studies devoted to them. Researchers found that these products were associated with a reduced risk of negative health outcomes, such as heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, such as bladder and breast cancer. 

It's worth noting that dairy products are a staple in many countries' dietary guidelines. They are rich in high-quality protein, essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, and vitamins like B12 and A, making them a complete nutritional powerhouse.

While most dietary guidelines recommend consuming two to three servings of dairy per day to maintain a healthy body, research shows that dairy products may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, and some options also contribute to supporting digestive health.