Health security

High blood pressure: Two helpings of this food a day could lower risk of the condition

High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity all fall under the medical term metallic syndrome (MetS) and are associated with greater risk of heart disease. But research carried out by scientists at McMaster University in Canada has suggested how these could be avoided - by eating full fat milk and cheese.

Previous advice from experts has urged adults to avoid full fat dairy products in order to stay healthy.

But the new study now suggests theses foods could be good for you.

The study involved 140,000 people from 21 countries and was conducted over nine years.

Questionnaires were used to assess participants’ diets over the duration of a year.

A serving of milk or cup of yoghurt was considered 244g, a slice of cheese 15g and butter 5g.

The researchers wrote in a BMJ journal: “Higher intake of whole fat (but not low fat) dairy was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS.”

They also hope their findings will help inform worldwide health initiatives to combat serious health problems.

Study author Balaji Bhavadharini said: “We report that intake of dairy products, especially whole fat products, is associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components at baseline, and a lower risk of hypertension and diabetes during follow-up.