Dairy and Heart Disease

Heart (or cardiovascular) disease is the leading cause of death in America and has been so for more than a century.

Heart disease is a broad term for a variety of cardiovascular conditions that can negatively impact health. The most common condition is coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque accumulates around a heart’s artery wall and prevents proper blood flow. Plaque buildup can eventually lead to a blockage (more commonly referred to as a heart attack).

Stroke is another serious condition that occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off via a blocked or ruptured artery. High blood pressure (which causes the heart to exert greater force to pump blood) is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke.

Fortunately, research has shown that dairy can be a vital component of heart-healthy eating. Consuming dairy foods as part of a healthy dietary pattern has been linked to a reduced risk of high blood pressure and may help maintain or lower elevated blood pressure. Additionally, total dairy consumption and a dietary pattern including dairy has been linked to a lower risk for developing stroke and heart disease.

Dairy, DASH Diet, and Heart Health

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH Diet is a proven method for lowering blood pressure and maintaining heart health. High blood pressure places a person at greater risk for developing a heart attack or stroke. DASH can also help lower cholesterol levels, since it prioritizes foods that tend not to elevate LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol.   

Principles of the DASH diet work in tandem to aid heart health; these include maintaining a healthy weight; limiting excess fat and sodium consumption; and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and whole grain foods.

Dairy is a key component of the DASH diet, which prioritizes foods rich in protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Milk, for instance, is a good source of calcium, potassium, and other nutrients.  Moreover, studies have shown that eating dairy foods can lower the risk of high blood pressure. To maximize dairy’s benefit, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends three daily servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy foods for most Americans.  

Dairy Products and their Impact on Heart Health

Milk, cheese, and yogurt can be versatile and delicious dietary staples. An added bonus is that these foods provide nutrients many Americans lack and can positively impact heart health. Learn how each of these dairy products can contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle.