Growing evidence suggests that dairy should form part of a healthy diet for cardiovascular good health

As the leading cause of death in Australia, coronary heart disease accounts for over 19% of all deaths, with stroke weighing in at 9%. The combined results of a 10 major studies study following almost 400 000 men and women from between 8 to 28 years has found that participants with the highest daily milk consumption had a 16% lower risk of heart disease or stroke. Interestingly, the majority of milk consumed in the study was regular fat milk. (Ness et al., 2000)

Despite major advances in medical technology, the prevalence cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been steadily rising over the last decade, and preventing CVD is an important national health priority. Risk factors to look out for which can be modified by lifestyle changes include:

• high blood cholesterol;
• high blood pressure;
• smoking;
• physical inactivity;
• being overweight; and
• high blood sugar levels.

A family history, increasing age and even being male – also increases the risk of developing CVD. While some of these factors are beyond our control, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and healthy eating are within reach, and can go a long way to reducing your risk. A large US study has shown blood pressure and cholesterol can be lowered by following an eating plan called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan (Appel et al., 1997). The good thing is that DASH is not too different from what you’re eating right now. By following a diet that is low in fat and salt, containing plenty of fruits, vegetables and 3 serves of mainly low fat dairy foods the DASH plan can lower blood pressure to a level similar to that expected from blood pressure medication (Harsha et al., 1999; Ramsay et al., 1999). DASH was also found to lower total cholesterol by 7% and LDL cholesterol by 9%. Importantly, you can expect to see results after just two weeks.As a proven foundation of the DASH plan, dairy contains 10 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamins A and B12, carbohydrate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, riboflavin and zinc. Getting one serve is simple; a glass of milk, two slices of cheese, or even a tub of yogurt all count. Remember include three serves of low fat dairy each day as part of a healthy, balanced diet; your heart will love you for it. References:

1. Appel LJ et al. (1997) A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure. New Eng J Med 336, 1117-24.
2. Harsha DW et al. (1999) Dietary approaches to stop hypertension: A summary of study results. J Am Diet Assoc 99, S35-9.
3. Ness AR et al. (2001) Milk, coronary heart disease and mortality. J Epidemiol Comm Health 55, 379-82.
4. Ramsay LE et al. (1999) Guidelines for management of hypertension: report of the third working party of the British Hypertension Society. J Human Hypertension 13, 569-92.

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