Milk is generally recommended for bone health due to its calcium and vitamin D content, which contribute to bone formation. However, a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity reveals that milk may also be good for your heart.
Researchers looked at the genetic indicators of only 417,000 people. They discovered that those who drank milk daily had more body fat than those who didn't, but they also had lower cholesterol and a decreased risk of heart disease.
According to the study's principal researcher, Elina Hypponen, Ph.D., of the University of South Australia, calcium may be the most crucial contributor, comparable to its benefits for bones.
"Calcium has been demonstrated to enhance the enzymes in the body that break down lipids, lowering cholesterol levels," she says. "What this demonstrates is that milk may be a healthy part of a well-balanced diet."
According to dietician Aderet Dana Hoch, RD, of Dining with Nature, calcium in milk can clog our bodies' bile acid recycling system. Bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats, is recycled and reused once the procedure is completed. Calcium prevents bile from being reabsorbed in the intestines, which necessitates the use of additional cholesterol to break down fatty acids, she claims. Since it's being used, it decreases cholesterol.
This study didn't look into why those who drink more milk may have more excellent body fat, and other research on the subject is contradictory. One study published in Nutrition Research indicated that whole-fat dairy consumption reduces the prevalence of obesity, particularly abdominal fat.
That implies further research is needed to determine why the participants in this study had higher body fat, although the lower cardiovascular risk was obvious.
If you don't like milk, Hoch says there are plenty of other calcium sources, some of which are vegan. She suggests, for example:
- Tofu
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Dried Fruit
"But we do need fat in our diet," she explains, "and we want to go for better fats from foods like olive oil and avocado, which will keep our HDL levels high and our LDL cholesterol low." "Fish, such as salmon, are high in both good fats and calcium."