Frederic Melton
High triglyceride levels can lead to heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure. While some studies suggest that cheese intake is associated with lower serum triglycerides, full-fat dairy products are rarely recommended in diets aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease due to their high saturated fat content. This fat content is assumed to increase serum cholesterol levels, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Is cheese bad for high triglycerides?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High intake of cheese | No changes in metabolic syndrome factors |
| No increase in total or LDL cholesterol | |
| Lowered total cholesterol in the Gouda group | |
| Lowered total cholesterol in the Gamalost group | |
| Lowered LDL cholesterol when compared to butter | |
| Associated with a better cardiovascular health score | |
| Associated with a reduced prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome | |
| Associated with a positive effect on CVD risk in women | |
| Associated with a negative effect on CVD mortality for each standard deviation increase in high-fat dairy products | |
| High content of saturated fat | |
| May increase serum cholesterol levels | |
| May increase serum triglyceride levels | |
| May increase risk of heart disease |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese and full-fat dairy products are associated with lower serum triglycerides
- High-fat cheeses like Gouda can lower cholesterol
- Cheese is not recommended in heart-healthy diets due to saturated fat content
- Cheese and dairy are associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
- Cheese is a better option than butter for lowering LDL cholesterol
Cheese and full-fat dairy products are associated with lower serum triglycerides
High levels of triglycerides in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood and are used by the body for energy. Any excess calories in the diet are converted to triglycerides by the liver and stored in fat cells.
Dietary choices play a crucial role in managing triglyceride levels. It is recommended to limit the intake of saturated fats and trans fats, which are commonly found in animal-based foods, processed meats, baked goods, and starchy foods. Alcohol consumption is also a significant contributor to elevated triglyceride levels.
Interestingly, some studies have found that cheese and full-fat dairy products are associated with lower serum triglycerides. Observational studies suggest that cheese intake can lead to reduced triglyceride levels. Intervention trials have further supported this by demonstrating that cheese intake lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol compared to butter intake with equal fat content. Additionally, a higher intake of full-fat dairy products has been linked to improved cardiovascular health scores.
The findings regarding dairy consumption and cardiovascular health are inconsistent. While some studies show a positive effect of cheese intake in women, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), others indicate a negative impact, with a higher risk of CVD mortality associated with increased consumption of high-fat dairy products. It is important to note that full-fat dairy products are rarely recommended in heart-healthy diets due to their high saturated fat content, which is assumed to increase serum cholesterol levels.
Overall, while cheese and full-fat dairy products have been linked to lower serum triglycerides in some studies, the impact on cardiovascular health remains a subject of debate. It is always advisable to consult with healthcare professionals or nutritionists for personalized guidance regarding dietary choices and their impact on triglyceride levels.
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High-fat cheeses like Gouda can lower cholesterol
High triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While dietary changes are often recommended to reduce this risk, full-fat dairy products are rarely included in these so-called heart-healthy diets. This is due to the high content of saturated fat in these products, which is assumed to increase serum cholesterol levels.
However, contrary to popular belief, observational studies have shown that cheese intake is associated with lower serum triglycerides. Furthermore, a higher intake of full-fat dairy was associated with a better cardiovascular health score than a low intake. Intervention trials have also shown that cheese intake lowers LDL cholesterol compared to butter intake of equal fat content.
In a randomized trial, participants who consumed a high intake of 27% fat Gouda-type cheese over 8 weeks did not exhibit any increases in total or LDL cholesterol compared to a control group. In fact, those with metabolic syndrome at baseline had significant reductions in total cholesterol at the end of the trial.
While cheese is a high-fat food and can contribute to increased heart risks over time, moderate consumption can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet. It is important to be mindful of portion size and choose lower-fat options when possible.
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Cheese is not recommended in heart-healthy diets due to saturated fat content
High triglyceride levels in the blood can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Therefore, it is important to manage them through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
Cheese is not recommended in heart-healthy diets due to its saturated fat content. Saturated fats are a type of unhealthy fat that can increase LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They are present in animal-based foods, including full-fat dairy products. While cheese is a source of saturated fat, it is not the only contributor of saturated fat in diets. Other sources include meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, butter, pastries, and coconut.
Observational studies have shown that cheese intake is associated with lower serum triglycerides. Additionally, a higher intake of full-fat dairy was associated with a better cardiovascular health score than a low intake. However, the findings related to dairy and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are inconsistent. Some studies show a positive effect of cheese intake in women, with a decreased CVD risk, while others indicate a negative effect, with a higher risk of CVD mortality associated with high-fat dairy products.
To maintain a heart-healthy diet, it is recommended to limit the intake of saturated fats and follow a Mediterranean-style diet. This may include opting for low-fat dairy products, such as low-fat milk and yoghurt, instead of their full-fat counterparts. Additionally, it is beneficial to incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and spinach, into your diet.
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Cheese and dairy are associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome
High triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While full-fat dairy products are rarely recommended in heart-healthy diets due to their high saturated fat content, some studies have shown that cheese intake is associated with lower serum triglycerides.
Observational studies have shown that cheese intake is associated with lower serum triglycerides. Intervention trials have also shown that there is some difference within full-fat dairy, as cheese intake was shown to lower LDL cholesterol compared to butter intake of equal fat content. In a randomized trial, there were no increases in total or LDL cholesterol in the cheese groups compared to the control group. Stratified analysis showed that those in the Gouda group with metabolic syndrome at baseline had significant reductions in total cholesterol at the end of the trial compared to the control group.
Cheese and dairy products have been associated with a reduced prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for diabetes type 2 and CVD. A higher intake of full-fat dairy and total dairy was associated with a better cardiovascular health score than a low intake. However, the findings related to dairy and CVDs are inconsistent, showing both a positive effect of cheese intake in women with decreased CVD risk and a negative effect with a 32% higher risk in CVD mortality for each standard deviation increase in high-fat dairy products.
A cross-sectional study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care analyzed data from 112,922 participants in the PURE study, a prospective, epidemiological study of adults aged 35 to 70 years from 21 countries. The study found that a higher intake of dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, especially from whole-fat dairy rather than low-fat dairy, is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome and a lower risk for developing hypertension and diabetes. Researchers found that compared with no dairy consumption, consuming at least two servings per day of total dairy was associated with a 24% reduced risk for developing metabolic syndrome.
In conclusion, cheese and dairy are associated with a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, and consuming two to three servings of dairy per day may be a feasible and low-cost approach to reducing hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease events. However, further well-designed prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and examine the association between different types of dairy products and the risk of metabolic syndrome.
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Cheese is a better option than butter for lowering LDL cholesterol
High triglyceride levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including excess calorie consumption, sugar intake, and dietary saturated fats. While cheese and butter are both dairy products that contain saturated fats, recent studies have shown that they can have differing effects on LDL cholesterol levels.
Professor Benoit Lamarche of Université Laval conducted a randomized control trial to compare the cardiometabolic effects of consuming saturated fats from butter versus cheese. The results indicated that consuming butter led to a significantly greater increase in LDL cholesterol compared to cheese, especially in participants who already had high baseline LDL levels. This suggests that the cheese food matrix may help mitigate some of the negative consequences of consuming saturated fats.
According to Didier Brassard, a graduate student in Professor Lamarche's laboratory, "What we can say is that there are nutrients in cheese that are reducing the overall effect of saturated fats so that they do not induce as much change in blood lipids compared with butter." This finding highlights the importance of considering the food matrix and not just the individual nutrients when evaluating the impact of certain foods on health.
While both cheese and butter contain saturated fats, the structure and composition of these fats differ between the two foods, leading to varying effects on LDL cholesterol. The study by Professor Lamarche and his team adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests the effects of dietary saturated fats on cardiovascular health depend on the specific food source. Therefore, when it comes to lowering LDL cholesterol, cheese may be a better option than butter, as it appears to mitigate the negative impact of saturated fats on cardiovascular health.
However, it is important to note that both cheese and butter are high in calories and fat, and excessive consumption of either can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels. As such, it is recommended to consume these foods in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients and food sources. Additionally, individuals with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels should consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the best dietary approach for their specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
While full-fat dairy products are rarely recommended for heart-healthy diets, some studies have shown that cheese intake is associated with lower serum triglycerides. One study found that participants with metabolic syndrome at baseline had significantly lower total cholesterol after consuming 27% fat Gouda-type cheese for eight weeks.
It is recommended to limit the intake of saturated fats and trans fats, which are found in animal-based foods such as meat, butter, and pastries. Alcohol consumption is also a common cause of elevated triglycerides, and any excess calories in your diet can be converted to triglycerides by the liver.
Yes, regular exercise can help manage triglyceride levels. Maintaining a steady sugar level is also important, as high glucose levels can be linked to high triglycerides.
