Dairy products would reduce cardiovascular risks because of their polar lipid content. Explanations.
Lactose difficult to digest, too rich in fat… At a time of food intolerances and allergies of all kinds, dairy products are not in favor. Nevertheless, they have undeniable health benefits, especially in terms of cardiovascular risk. According to a French study published on June 12 in the journal gutthis would be thanks to their high content of polar lipids, which are found in cream and butter and which would naturally stabilize the fat.
To reach these conclusions, a team of researchers led by INRA followed 58 overweight postmenopausal women, particularly vulnerable in terms of coronary risk. In addition to their usual diet, the scientists made them consume daily spreadable cheeses more or less enriched in dairy polar lipids thanks to a buttermilk concentrate (by-product from the manufacture of butter). A month later, they were able to observe a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels and other important indicators of metabolic disturbances. Result: dairy polar lipids improved the cardiovascular health of these postmenopausal women.
Develop new strategies
This phenomenon could be explained because some of the polar lipids of dairy products and cholesterol would form in the small intestine a mixture impossible to absorb for instinct. It would therefore be quickly rejected in the stool, explains Inserm in a press release.
“This is the first human study to prove that polar lipids can improve cardiovascular health by decreasing several lipid cardiovascular markers, including a reduction in intestinal cholesterol absorption involving specific interactions in the gut. , without disrupting the major bacterial phyla of the gut microbiota,” the researchers say.
Ultimately, these results could make it possible to implement new nutritional strategies to reduce cardiovascular risks in vulnerable people. They could also help diversify the ingredients used by the food industry. Because in addition to their beneficial effect on health, dairy polar lipids could be a good alternative to soy lecithin in terms of food texture.
Dairy products also beneficial against diabetes and for strengthening bones
However, this is not the first study to highlight the benefits of dairy products in cardiovascular health. Last September, researchers had already observed that dairy consumption of about three servings a day was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality.
But in addition to the cardiovascular risk, dairy products would also reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Indeed, according to a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine in October 2018 and conducted among more than 60,000 adults, regularly consuming dairy products would protect against the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Finally, an increased intake of dairy products improves bone mineral density and strengthens the spine, especially in men aged 50 and over, according to an international study from April 2018. Conclusion: do not banish dairy products from your diet. But like all good things, don’t overdo it eitherthe High Council for Public Health (HCSP) says so.
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