Fat can make me stronger? Study shows dairy fat increases strength

Themistocles Stavrou

A study in the Biomed Journal for Nutrition has found that the fat present in milk can help people build muscle more efficiently. The study states:

“Our recent studies in mice have demonstrated that dietary supplementation with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), when combined with habitual exercise, significantly improved muscle mass and strength.”

This study’s findings contribute to the growing discourse supporting dietary fat. Science is ever so slowly moving to accept that they got the ‘fat is bad for you’ theory wrong.

Fat can be divided into two types, bad and good. Bad fats are found in processed foodstuffs such as fast food and whipped cream, whereas healthy fats are present in natural foods -- dairy, nuts and olives. Bad fats contribute to disease and health conditions, but healthy fats reduce the risk of them occurring. Given this, many in the health and fitness industry are starting to question the rationale behind removing fat from milk to make it ‘skinny’ and ‘healthy.’

“All this comes down to the concept that various types of fat are needed to sustain and build a healthy diet,” said Accredited Practising Dietitian Dr. Naras Lapsys from ‘The Body Doctor’ in Bondi.

“New scientific data has been showing that fat is not actually bad for heart health. And this study just goes to show that dairy fat impacts not only cardio metabolic function, but neuromuscular function as well.”

And that is exactly what makes the Biomed Journal for Nutrition study even more interesting:

“The results in the present study are consistent with the previous findings and indicate that dietary MFGM plus exercise increases motor unit recruitment and enhances muscle strength, probably owing to neuromuscular mechanisms,” say researchers Soga, Ota and Shimotoyodome from Nutrition Journal.

What this basically means is that milk fat can improve the function of your central nervous system (CNS). A healthy CNS allows for improved coordination skills, balance, and of course strength.

This may be the reason why the infamous ‘GOMAD’ (Gallon of Milk A Day) diet still makes the rounds around fitness forums and gym weight rooms.

“GOMAD is the diet where skinny guys drink a gallon of milk a day,” explains Tony from a university gym in Ultimo. “Works every time.”

Dairy products in their full fat form have also been cropping up in supermarket shelves. Greek Yogurt and classic un-homogenised milk (with the cream at the top) are some of many popular full fat dairy products out there. It appears that the everyday consumer along with health professionals are beginning to accept and enjoy the healthy taste of full cream dairy.

“I have around 3-4 plain Chobani yogurts a day, and wouldn’t be surprised if I go through a kilo of nuts a week,” says Stacey from a gym in Earlwood Sydney.

“I just can’t believe how much of a difference healthy fat has had on my body. I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, and I’m 50!”

Themistocles works as a Personal trainer in Ultimo Sydney. As a Communications undergraduate, he hopes to contribute to the 'body image' discourse and work as a health journalist in the future.