New Research Explores Relationship Between Dairy Consumption and Heart Health

The latest research suggests that increasing your consumption of dairy products could have a positive impact on your blood pressure. A study analyzing data from over 2,800 U.S. adults found that those who frequently consumed milk products had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those who rarely consumed dairy.

Presented at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, the research sheds light on the potential benefits of dairy consumption in managing blood pressure. However, the study also noted that frequent dairy consumers had higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between dairy and heart health.

Experts suggest that the contradictory findings regarding dairy’s impact on health could be related to the varying composition of dairy products individuals consume. While some bioactive peptides in dairy can help lower blood pressure, the saturated fats in full-fat dairy products have long been associated with unhealthy cholesterol levels.

In light of these findings, experts recommend incorporating low-fat dairy options into a balanced diet, alongside other healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Dairy intake, while being just one aspect of overall nutrition, can play a role in optimizing heart health when consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet.