Moderate Consumption of Yoghurt may Prevent Thickening of Arteries

A new study published in the journal, American Society for Nutrition, suggests that including a moderate amount of yoghurt in your daily diet may prevent the thickening of carotid artery and reduce the risk of heart disease. The study was led by Kerry Ivey, who works as a dietician at the Sir Charles Gardener Hospital in Australia. The study involved nearly 1,100 women from Perth over the age of 70 years. The participants were randomly selected for the “Calcium Intake and Fracture Outcome Study.”

The participants were asked a number of questions and the researchers also used identical cups and spoons in order to make sure that the measurement was right among all participants. The researchers also measured the left and right carotid arteries at two different angles in order to find the mean IMT (intima-media thickness). The measurement was done both at the start of the study and three years later.

The researchers found that those who included a high to moderate quantity of yoghurt (at least 100 gms) in their diet had a significantly lower IMT compared to those who did not eat yoghurt. Stating that dairy products have been unjustly associated with bad health, Ivey said, “In general, dairy products get a bad rap with regards to cardiovascular disease. But there has been a demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in probiotic and yogurt consumption.”

Source-Medindia