SYRACUSE, N.Y. — More than 1,130 health professionals recently learned about current research that suggests whole-fat is not a risk factor for heart disease in a webinar hosted by American Dairy Association North East.
Dr. James Painter, a registered dietitian, nutrition professor and former National Dairy Council consultant, along with registered dietitian, culinary expert and ADA North East nutrition consultant Julie Harrington, spoke on the behalf of dairy farmers in the hour-long webinar to help dispel any confusion around the misguided research behind low-fat dairy recommendations. Click here to watch a brief video from Painter and Harrington about the program.
“Thanks to scientific, evidence-based research about saturated fat in food, we can confidently support whole-fat dairy as part of a heart healthy diet,” said ADA North East CEO Rick Naczi. “When we partner with third-party spokespersons like these renown nutrition experts to share this exciting news, we establish credibility and build trust among other health professionals who pass the information along to their patients and clients.”
Several webinar participants reinforced our efforts by commenting, “Excellent presentation! Will update my recommendations,” said Denise Mokotoff, registered dietitian from Commack, N.Y., and “My view about whole fat has changed,” said registered dietitian Nancy Wagner from New York City.
Three goals were set for the webinar program:
- Explain the saturated fat guidance according to the current dietary guidelines and whether all types increase health risks, or if risk is dependent upon which foods saturated fat comes from.
- Understand the latest research around whole-fat dairy vs. low-fat dairy and its contribution to heat health.
- Communicate how to include whole fat dairy in a balanced eating pattern to patients through culinary application of dairy as a single food group and in recipe development.
“Based on the initial comments from participants, we have gone a long way in establishing confidence in whole-fat dairy as part of a healthy lifestyle – which is something dairy farmers have always known,” added Naczi.
For more information about ADA North East’s health professional outreach, visit AmericanDairy.com, and click on “Health & Wellness.”
–American Dairy Association North East