Healthy living
Healthy eating
Dairy goodness
Drinking milk may protect you against heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, say scientists at Cardiff University
The Welsh study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, looked at the eating habits of 2375 men aged between 45 and 59 over a 20-year period.
The team found that those who regularly consumed milk and dairy products were significantly less likely to suffer from a condition known as metabolic syndrome, sometimes called insulin resistance. It refers to a combination of medical disorders including raised levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, body fat and blood glucose levels. Sufferers have a significantly increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
The study showed that the men who drank a pint or more of milk a day were 62 per cent less likely to have metabolic syndrome than those who shunned dairy. Those who did not drink milk but regularly ate other dairy products reduced their risk by 56 per cent. And the more dairy products the men consumed, the greater the protective effect.
Lead author Professor Peter Elwood said that milk and dairy consumption had dropped significantly over the past 25 years because of health concerns. The results of the new study add to the growing body of evidence that milk and dairy products fit well into a healthy eating pattern.
However, June Davison, cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation said: “Milk is an important part of a balanced diet and is very nutritious. However some dairy products can also be high in saturated fat and calories, which can increase the risk of obesity and high cholesterol; both of which are indicators for metabolic syndrome.
“So when choosing dairy products it’s wise to go for low-fat options to get the benefit of the nutrition without the downside of the fat content.”
Why milk is good for you
- Calcium: helps build and maintain strong bones and protects against the risk of osteoporosis. It is also vital for nerve function, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
- Vitamin A: essential for a healthy immune system and maintaining good sight and skin.
- Vitamin D: promotes the absorption of calcium and is important in maintaining healthy bones.
- Protein: essential for a whole range of bodily functions including the growth of body tissues.
- Vitamin B-12: helps maintain a healthy nervous system and is important in the formation of red blood cells.
- Potassium: regulates fluid balance and blood pressure.
- Niacin: helps the body process sugars and fatty acids and maintain enzyme function. It is also important for the development of the nervous system.
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Reader comments
My Husband developed a sudden reaction to cows milk and related dairy products. He has since tried various non dairy products i.e. soya but is now happy and healthy since switching to goats milk/cheese/butter and is also successful with sheeps cheese. Not only have the stomach/bowel problems cleared up but he has far less problem with cattarh.....it's quite amazing. As there are only two of us in the house the majority of the time...i've also switched to the same produce. I found it difficult to drink cows milk, as it always left a coating in my mouth but I have no problem with goats milk. The benefit i've noticed most is how strong my nails are....funny but true!
Posted by: Anne G | 06/08/2007 21:20:09
Due to a bad reaction to antibiotics leading to clostridium dificilis I have an intolerance to dairy products and have been advised to avoid them by the consultant. I am reluctant to drink milk because of the bad side effects. Does anyone know if there is an alternative with the same benefits as milk - for example, soya milk?
Posted by: Carole Mearns | 04/08/2007 14:26:42
Since I changed overe to goats milk 6 months ago I no longer suffer from catarrh. What a difference. Wish I had done it years ago.
Posted by: Ann | 03/08/2007 23:34:27
I understand the information about the benefits of drinking milk, but I have perennial rhinitis and therefore lots of cattarh, and have heard that dairy products are not good in this situation, ie they tend to make more mucous. I would welcome a view on this, please.
Posted by: Jennie McWalter | 25/07/2007 13:45:50
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
