Ever since I was a child, my family has kept a gallon of milk in the fridge. We use it for coffee, cereal, or just a nice dessert of milk and cookies.
Most people I know keep milk in their houses — it's a normal part of our diets. And if you don't like milk, chances are you're a fan of at least some dairy products: cheese, butter, ice cream, yogurt, etc.
Some people go so far as to hunt down their favorite dairy treats, like this woman whose dying wish was to have her favorite milkshake.
As I've gotten older and more concerned about my health, I've switched from drinking and eating full-fat dairy products to low-fat or nonfat products.
But did you know that full-fat dairy is actually a lot better for you than its low-fat alternatives? It's true: full-fat dairy has a ton of health benefits that low-fat and nonfat dairy products just don't have.
Read on to find out more about why you should eat full-fat dairy products!
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
What Is Dairy?
Dairy products are any foods primarily made from milk — it may be the milk of cows, but it may also be the milk of other animals like sheep or goats.
Dairy products include milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream, just to name a few. Essentially, if milk is the base ingredient, you'll find it in the dairy aisle.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Dairy?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), dairy products have a lot of health benefits — especially for bone health.
Dairy products have essential nutrients, like calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.
Consuming dairy is very good for you, and it's linked to improved bone health, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced risk of osteoporosis, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and lower blood pressure.
Why You Should Eat Full-Fat Dairy Instead Of Low-Fat Dairy?
Many people assume that they should eat low-fat or nonfat dairy, and for good reason. For a long time, public health officials said that low-fat dairy would give you all the benefits of full-fat dairy, without the calories and fat.
New research shows that might be misleading, though — in fact, cutting out the fat from dairy may not give you all the benefits, reports TIME.
Reason #1: Full-Fat Dairy Is Linked To Lower Risk Of Diabetes
This may surprise you, but full-fat dairy can actually help lower your risk of diabetes.
CBS News reports, "Studies also show that the fat can slow down the body's absorption of sugar, helping lower the risk of diabetes."
Reason #2: Full-Fat Dairy Is Linked To Reduced Body Fat
Reason #3: Full-Fat Dairy Is More Nutrient-Rich
While it's true that low-fat and nonfat dairy products contain the same nutrients as full-fat dairy (like calcium, potassium, and B6), low-fat products don't offer all the essential fat-based nutrients, like healthy fatty acids.
Also, some nutrients, like vitamins A, D, and K, are fat-soluble, meaning that you need to consume them with fat in order for your body to properly absorb them, according to Berkley Wellness.
Reason #4: Full-Fat Dairy Has Fatty Acids That Will Keep You Full Longer
According to TIME, many researchers argue that fatty acids — which are stripped out of low-fat dairy products — may help you feel full faster and stay full longer.
A number of European studies claim that there are links between full-fat dairy and lower rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Reason #5: Many Low-Fat Dairy Products Have Extra Added Sugar
To make up for the lack of satisfying fat, many low-fat dairy products have added sugar.
CBS News explains, "As more people welcome full-fat dairy back into their diets, full-fat yogurts are popping up on store shelves. They can be a healthier option since many low-fat yogurts have more added sugar to enhance the taste, experts say."
Conclusion: It's All About Balance
So, what does this all mean for your diet? Well, it means you should think about swapping some of your low-fat dairy products for their full-fat alternatives.
That said doesn't mean it's healthy to gorge on ice cream, yogurt, and cheese — it's still about maintaining a balanced diet.
If you're excited to add more full-fat dairy to your diet, please SHARE this article with your friends!
