The world of nutrition can be complex and ever-changing, with new research emerging regularly to challenge our understanding of what’s good and bad for our bodies. A recent study from Uppsala University in Sweden has shed light on a potential health risk associated with drinking cow’s milk, and the findings are surprising.
The study, which involved over 100,000 participants, found that drinking cow’s milk could increase the risk of coronary heart disease, particularly in women. The researchers discovered that women who consumed around 400ml of milk daily had a five percent increased risk of developing coronary heart disease.
What’s more, the risk grew with higher consumption levels, with women drinking 600ml and 800ml of milk daily experiencing a 12 percent and 21 percent increased risk, respectively. Interestingly, the study found that the risk was not affected by the fat content of the milk, meaning that skimmed and semi-skimmed milk offered no protection against the increased risk.
So, why do women appear to be more susceptible to the risks associated with cow’s milk? The researchers believe that it may be due to differences in the way men and women digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Men appear to be able to digest lactose more efficiently, which may explain why they are not at increased risk.
The study’s findings are significant, particularly given the widespread consumption of cow’s milk in many parts of the world. However, it’s worth noting that cow’s milk is still a good source of protein and calcium, and that moderation is key.
For those looking to reduce their risk, the researchers suggest substituting some of their milk intake with yogurt, which may offer a healthier alternative. With the growing number of milk alternatives available, it’s easier than ever to make informed choices about our diets and reduce our risk of coronary heart disease.”
