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New research suggests higher consumption of whole-fat dairy could lower heart disease risks

A new study from the University of Minnesota is linking whole-fat dairy products to lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Hanna Kelley is the director of health and wellness for the American Dairy Association Indiana. 

“Milk, cheese, and yogurt are part of a balanced diet,” she says. “It can help reduce the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Having a few servings of full-fat dairy products have also been shown to be supportive of heart health.”

She tells Brownfield the USDA’s new Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends three servings of dairy per day.

“Milk, for example, has 13 essential nutrients in it,” she says. “It’s a great source of not only carbohydrates, protein, electrolytes, and B vitamins. Including potassium in your diet is also important for heart health.”

Kelley says as the industry works to increase dairy consumption across the country, it could be a long-term win for U.S. agriculture.

AUDIO: Hanna Kelley, American Dairy Association Indiana