Which is better: full-fat or reduced-fat milk and cheese? Which is better

The majority of dietary guidelines recommend low-fat dairy products, with the exception of very young children. A recent review found that full-fat dairy products were better for children than reduced-fat alternatives.

Families who have had health problems relating to diet and higher body weight are more likely to consume low-fat foods. Full-fat dairy products may be more filling and regulate appetite so that people eat less.

These observations have been made in both children and adults.

Science explained

There’s more to it than low-fat dairy products. It is becoming more and more evident that certain fatty acids in dairy fats may actually reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as type two diabetes.

It seems that higher consumption of fermented milk products, such as full-fat unsweetened yogurt, and certain cheeses may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Could low-fat milk be worse than whole? The Image Party/Shutterstock

The Australian guidelines are based upon a mathematical decision about how many calories are needed to reach the recommended adult calorie intake.

There is no way to know if the evidence published elsewhere has been presented in the same manner. Some of the other recommendations for using lower-fat dairy may be more based on maths rather than science.

The health benefits of dairy products are not limited to butter or milk but rather to yogurt and certain types of cheese.

There is also a myth, which states that low-fat cheese and milk can cause weight gain. This is not true. This myth is based on old farming practices where leftover cream made from skimmed milk was used to fatten piglets.

Low-fat v full-fat

Why, then, do so many healthy eating guidelines, including those in UK, US, Australia, and Australia, recommend choosing low-fat or reduced-fat dairy products, given that there is minimal evidence?

Research has found that higher intakes of saturated fatty acids are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

This research focuses on saturated fatty acids in general, not the saturated fatty acids found in dairy products. These saturated fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial for both children as well as adults. It is believed that this has to do with how these foods are fermented.

Full-fat dairy products are not “bad” as such, but they may be included in a recommendation to reduce overall fat consumption.

The average person will save less than 50kcal a day by switching from full-fat to semi-skimmed in tea. Even when calculating calories and energy, reducing the fat has a minimal effect.

If you consume dairy products regularly, there is no need to be concerned about their fat content. It’s especially true when it comes to yoghurts and cheeses that aren’t sweetened. They have potential health benefits when eaten in their original full-fat form.