We discussed before that drinking milk was not detrimental for weight or general health. A new study performed at the University of Copenhagen reports that a diet that includes cheese should be recommended for all to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A high dairy intake was associated with a 9% reduction in the risk of stroke, an 18%lower risk of coronary heart disease and a 13% reduction in the risk of stroke. Stroke risk fell by 7% for each 200 ml of milk consumed per day. Consumption of 25g/day of cheese also reduced stroke and coronary heart disease risk. A Chinese/Dutch study found that the largest risk reduction was found with consumption of about 40 g/day. Cheese has also beneficial effects on LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides. While trans fats and saturated fats found in red meat are damaging, saturated fats present in milk,hard cheese and yogurt are rather cardioprotective. They also protect agains chronic diseases as well. Apparently the calcium in the cheese modifies completely the metabolism of the saturated fat. Calcium seems to bind the bile and fatty acids resulting in increased fecal fat secretion. Also a diet high in dairy products reduces the risk of childhood obesity and improves body composition in adults. Yogurt and cheese decrease the risk of diabetes. They promote satiety during periods of energy restriction. Finally dairy products may protect against colorectal, breast, gastric and bladder cancer.Dairy consumption has beneficial effect on bone health in children and adolescents. No benefit was found in adults as osteoporosis starts early in the pediatric population.
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