Many African Americans avoid milk and dairy products because they believe they are lactose intolerant. But if you have prediabetes research shows avoiding dairy can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, there is an emerging body of evidence that yogurt and other dairy products may help you reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity as well as type 2 diabetes – diseases that effect African Americans at disproportionate rates.
Moreover, the type of dairy you eat or drink makes a difference, too. Fermented dairy products like yogurt are associated with a greater decrease in diabetes risk when compared to other types of dairy products.
Heart Health and Blood Pressure. African Americans have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Many fat-free and low-fat yogurts provide more potassium than an equal 8-ounce glass of milk. People who eat yogurt have higher potassium intakes and are less likely to have inadequate intakes of calcium and magnesium – minerals that help control blood pressure.
The Surprising Benefits of Yogurt was originally published on blackdoctor.org
