Dairy Consumption / Whey Protein Reduces Free Radical Damage and Inflammation

It is hard to comprehend why supposed natural health writers attack dairy products. I understand that some people are allergic to dairy and need to minimize their intake or consume none. I understand that there is a quality issue, as there is with all food.  I understand that some people simply do not like dairy products. However, dairy products, as part of a balanced and healthy diet, offer tremendous nutritional advantages. The latest study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition¹ shows that dairy consumption, with a focus on ensuring adequate whey protein, can reduce free radical damage and inflammatory distress in individuals with the Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome is a nightmare health epidemic facing Americans. In this study, 40 overweight and obese Americans were assigned to one of two similar calorie weight-maintenance diets. One of the diets had 3.5 servings of dairy per day and the other diet had less than 0.5 servings of dairy per day. The focus was on consuming dairy that would provide adequate whey protein components to facilitate an average daily intake of 23 grams of dairy protein.

The results of the diet were stunning. The dairy group reduced free radical damage to fatty acids by 35 percent and reduced damage to LDL cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein. It is a group of lipids and proteins that allow lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides, and fat soluble nutrients (Vitamin A, D, E , K, Q 10, carotenes) to be transported with the water-based bloodstream. by 11 percent. Key markers of inflammation coming from white adipose tissue, TNFa Cytokine involved with systemic inflammation and regulation of immune cells. It is able to induce cell death, and inhibits tumorigenesis and viral replication. When dysfunctional it is associated with a number of disease processes. and IL6, were lowered by 35 percent and 21 percent.  A key signal that attracts inflammatory immune cells into white adipose tissue was reduced by 14 percent.  And most notably, the key hormone in fat that prevents type 2 diabetes, adiponectin Protein hormone that modulates metabolism including glucose and fatty acid catabolism. High levels are associated with low body fat. , was boosted a whopping 55 percent.

Quality dairy products are clearly a good part of the diet. For individuals who are overweight and headed in the wrong metabolic direction, quality dairy products are a major help in fixing metabolism. They need to be eaten as part of a normal amount of calories and will not have this benefit if consumed along with excessive amounts of other calories.