Keep the Fat Down

Dairy fat is mostly saturated fat. Traditionally, saturated fat is linked to high cholesterol. Often, we are told to reduce our saturated fat intake. It’s a good rule, but it misses a lot.

Fat ≠ Fat

Not all saturated fat is the same. Butter is linked to higher cholesterol levels. Cream and cheese, on the other hand, don’t seem to raise cholesterol as much. Whole fat yogurt might even reduce cholesterol.

The Dairy Fat Case

The reason may be the shell around the fat molecule. Dairy fat in milk is encased in a shell made up of proteins, carbs, and other healthy compounds. This shell is called “MFGM.” This covering shell contains at least 190 different types of protein.

Butter is Stripped Bare

Butter is missing the protective shell of MFGM. It is stripped away in the butter churning process. This may be why butter tends to raise cholesterol.

Miracles in Milk

Many of the compounds in the fat shell are essential for brain development, immune system, nervous system, and digestion. The compounds in the shell surrounding dairy fat seem to help prevent the fat from raising cholesterol and clogging arteries.

Cheese Eating Frenchies

In France, cheese consumption is nearly 2 times North American cheese consumption. Yet their rate of heart disease is much lower. Possibly the intact dairy fat shell is part of the explanation. Of all the saturated fats, like the fats in meat and butter, the saturated fat in cheese does not seem to increase heart disease.

Strike a Balance

If you want to hedge your bets, switch to 1% milk, keep your butter intake low, and eat cheese 4 times per week. You’ll be healthier and happier. Cheese does a body good.