Researchers from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research followed 1,500 people between ages 25-78 over a 15-year period. They evaluated the health of study participants and noted the dairy products they consumed. The Australian researchers found that consuming dairy products did not increase the overall risk of dying or the participants’ risk of dying from cancer.
They also noted beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Participants who consumed the most milk products had a lower risk of dying from heart disease than others.
When they refer to dairy products, they are talking about whole milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, dessert creams and ice cream.
The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports the benefits are not totally due to calcium but may also be linked to milk fats found in the dairy products.
More research is now needed on the subject.