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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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.
