The dairy matrix – what it is and how it’s changing the health game
From nutrient science to whole-food science: How viewing dairy as a complete food, rather than just a collection of nutrients, reveals new insights into its health benefits.
For years, nutrition science has focused on how individual nutrients in foods are linked to health, like calcium being good for bones or saturated fats being a risk factor for heart disease. However, current research reveals that the health effects of what we eat – whether benefits or risks – are related to much more than the sum of a food’s individual nutrients.
This is especially true for dairy products, which have unique structures that influence how our bodies digest and absorb specific nutrients. This concept, known as the dairy matrix, explains why dairy products often have health benefits that cannot be attributed only to individual nutrients. For example, the intake of saturated fats is linked to raised cholesterol levels and subsequently a higher risk of heart disease. Yet, consuming dairy products, which typically contain 65% saturated fats, does not appear to increase the risk of heart disease.
Research has found that the physical structure of dairy products influences how our bodies digest and absorb the nutrients in the dairy:
- Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
Consuming dairy, and particularly low-fat milk (a liquid) and yoghurt (a gel), is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Studies indicate that having about 80 g of yoghurt daily is associated with a 14% decrease in T2D risk. This protective effect may be because the bacterial cultures used to ferment milk and turn it into yoghurt can enhance gut health and improve insulin sensitivity. These factors help to make you feel full, contribute to better energy distribution, and improve glucose metabolism, all working together to keep the risk of T2D at bay.
- Heart health support
Despite containing saturated fat, dairy products – especially cheese – have been shown to have either a neutral or slightly beneficial effect on heart health. This might be because of the way fat droplets are packaged in the dairy matrix: something called the milk fat globule membrane may prevent the increase of harmful cholesterol and so decrease the risk of heart disease.
- Promotes strong bones
Dairy is a rich source of calcium and good-quality protein, and the ratio between calcium and phosphate is ideal for building and maintaining strong bones throughout life. The combination of nutrients in dairy and the different structures in which they operate (the dairy matrix) enhance calcium absorption, which means it is used better for forming bone tissue.
Find out more about the dairy matrix here or visit Rediscover Dairy.
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