Are Dairy Delights Really Good for You? The Hidden Dangers in Your Favorite Cheeses

Many of us love dairy foods, but few realize some of these can be especially risky, particularly when consumed in excess. While low-fat dairy items can be good for your health, not all are created equal. Some of the less healthy options are those with high amounts of saturated fat, sugar, calories, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings.

There are certain dairy foods that many of us consume but should approach with caution. The first is ice cream, which is rich in saturated fat and sugar. Ice cream packs a lot of calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues such as diabetes.

As for yellow cheese, it's important to know what kind you're eating. If it's full-fat cheese, it might not be the healthiest choice. Cheeses like cheddar or gouda are high in saturated fat and calories. Excessive consumption can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels and result in heart disease.

Many people add heavy cream to their pasta or consume it regularly in other dishes. It's rich in fat and calories, and frequent use in desserts and baked goods raises their calorie content.

Yogurt is a popular item, but some prefer sweetened yogurt which contains a relatively high amount of sugar. It seems healthy, but sweetened yogurt has added sugar, making it a less ideal choice.

Although not all studies agree, research has shown that dairy products are important for the body provided they're full-fat, offering more quality nutritional components than low-fat options.

"Full-fat dairy products contain more essential fatty acids like omega-3, higher levels of protein, vitamin B-12, and iodine, which also reduce anxiety and depression and enhance metabolism," Dr. Michael Mosley recently stated. He developed diet methods that integrate intermittent fasting. However, the U.S. Department of Health recommends low-fat milk instead.