MetS is known as a combination of metabolic abnormalities (low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, high blood pressure, impaired glucose metabolism and central adiposity) that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes over time. The incidence of this condition has grown worldwide (around 25%) because of increased obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
A cohort study in Spain with 8,063 participants free of MetS was set up to assess the association between total, whole-fat and low-fat yogurt consumption and the risk of MetS. After 6 years, the follow up conducted 306 incidences of MetS. Frequent yogurt consumption has a non-significant inverse association with MetS.
Mix yogurt and fruit
However, total and whole fat yogurt consumption was significantly associated with a 15% reduced risk of central adiposity (one of the parameters of MetS). More interestingly, yogurt and fruit consumption can protect against the risk of overweight : a combined exposure of high yogurt consumption (more than 7 portions/week) and high fruit consumption (more than 265g/day) is significantly associated with a lower risk of developing MetS (-39%).
The authors concluded that high consumption of both yogurt and fruit exhibit a significantly lower risk of MetS compared to low consumption.