Dairy surprise plus for heart health
Greek research has revealed a link between dairy intake and lower odds of having a heart attack. Scientists from the University of Athens found heart attack risk was lower by 12% with each extra weekly serve of dairy a person consumed. Low fat dairy foods gave more protection, with risk 59% lower in people who ate low fat milk, cheese and yogurt, compared with those who avoided dairy foods.
The study, published by the European Society of Cardiology, involved 848 Greek patients who had already had a heart attack or unstable angina, and a similar number of control subjects without heart disease. The researchers collected data on diet and other factors known to influence heart health, such as smoking, alcohol and exercise habits.
According to lead author, Dr Meropi Kontogianni, more than seven dairy serves per week was needed to significantly reduce risk of acute coronary syndrome, a disease classified by heart attack or angina. Among the other factors investigated, physical activity was protective, while family history of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increased risk.
According to a recent review of other studies that included 400,000 people from various countries who were followed for between eight and 28 years, people with a high daily milk intake had a 16% lower risk of heart disease or stroke, compared with people who consumed only a small amount of milk.
The authors of the latest study suggest peptides derived from dairy protein, specific vitamins and minerals, or the milk fat, conjugated linoleic acid, may help protect against heart disease.
