Sometimes, you hear health advice that is so weird you assume it can’t be true. We all know that milk is good for us. It is rich in calcium and has protein. We have been told our whole lives that it’s good for us. Some people can’t or choose not to drink it. But it’s healthy.
A new study has found that drinking normal milk may increase the risk of heart disease in women. The study looked at how non-fermented dairy milk related to the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) — one of the leading causes of death globally. Replacing milk with products like yogurt and kefir that are fermented by lactic acid bacteria lowered the risk.
The study used just under 60,000 women and almost 41,000 men. The study found a clear link between normal milk and IHD in women. If a woman drank more than 300 milliliters of milk daily, she had a higher risk. Drinking 400 milliliters raised the risk by five percent. Drinking 600 milliliters raised the risk by 13 percent. Drinking 800 milliliters raised the risk by 21 percent. Swapping the milk for fermented dairy lowered the risk.
No connection was seen in men. Women digest lactose better than men. The researchers theorized that lactose may trigger inflammation in the body over time and put stress on the heart.
The researchers cautioned that almost everyone in the study was Scandinavian. The results might vary for other populations. Plus, while there was a link, there wasn’t a proven cause. People who drink more milk may share other behaviors that could impact heart health.
IHD is also called coronary artery disease. It causes narrowing of the arteries and lower blood flow and oxygen to the heart. That can cause chest pain and even heart attacks.
“A healthy diet is essential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases,” said study author Prof. Karl Michaëlsson. “Our analysis supports an association between milk intake higher than 300 milliliters per day and higher rates of ischemic heart disease, and myocardial infarction [heart attack] specifically, in women, but not in men. The higher risk in women was evident irrespective of the fat content of the milk. Replacing non-fermented milk with moderate fermented milk intake could lower the risks.”
Milliliters isn’t a standard measurement here in the U.S. However, a medium, or grande, latte from Starbucks has 350 milliliters. The fact that the amount of fat in the milk didn’t matter will be alarming to many people. Folks often think reaching for skim milk is healthier than whole fat. But, at least according to this study, it doesn’t matter for women’s hearts.
If you drink a lot of milk and are concerned about your heart health, alternatives may be worth considering. Nowadays, there are many types of milk beyond just soy. There are oat, rice, almond, coconut and more. Look at their nutritional facts and benefits, and you can find one to add to your routine that could suit you!
