Horns Of The Dilemma – Dairy Good Or Bad For Health

Though fruits and veggies are known to be healthy options as far as food is concerned there are conflicting views over dairy products and even their consumption levels on a regular basis. Milk and milk products in plenty are a must for kids and adolescents as milk is a rich source of calcium. Though milk is good, it comes under saturated fats and hence for people on a diet skimmed milk is a better option.

As per global standards the average consumption is around 2 to 2.5 servings a day for children. Organizations like USDA and National Institute of Health (NIH) dairy is a vital source of magnesium, phosphorous, Protein and Vitamin D. A deficiency in calcium could raise the risk of osteoporosis as bones become weak and brittle.

Having said that there are conflicting views around consumption of dairy products. As per a systematic review as well as meta-analysis says that increase in dairy consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis. But, not all studies are included in the said analysis.

Another long term study of Sweden that included 61000 women and 45000 men revealed a potential link between high milk consumption as well as high rate of bone fractures. Though a Japanese study carried out over 94,980 people revealed that a rise in consumption of milk did lower the mortality risk.

Even the American heart Institution (AHA) has said that saturated fats could lead to increase in cholesterol as well as heart disease. Hence, some full fat dairy products do not come in the list of heart healthy diet recommendations. Furthermore, the national lung and blood institute has advised people to limit their dairy intake and use low fat dairy in their diet.

There is an article with umpteen analyses as well as reviews that do not believe that saturated fats cause heart disease. It also states that the saturated fats could decrease the risk of diabetes that is linked to obesity.

So, while there is conflict with studies to support, dairy could be a healthy option if taken in limit. It could be helpful for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

*Sourced from Internet

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