News India Live, Digital Desk: Milk is an excellent source of calcium and protein, but concern is often raised about the saturated fat present in it. According to recent research and expert opinion, the relationship between milk and heart disease is not as direct as we think. The right choice can benefit you, while the wrong choice can cause problems for the heart arteries.
There are two main types of fat in milk. Full cream milk contains high amount of saturated fat, which can increase ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL) in the body. However, according to a study by the University of Reading, people who drank milk regularly were found to have lower cholesterol levels than those who did not drink milk. This means that the effect of milk depends on the lifestyle of the person and the type of milk.
According to cardiologists, these options should be considered while choosing milk for heart health:
Toned or Skimmed Milk: This is the safest option for heart patients because the amount of fat in it is negligible and the nutrients remain intact.
Plant-based Milk: If you are very conscious about cholesterol, then almond milk or oat milk is a great option. They contain unsaturated fat which is considered good for the heart.
Turmeric Milk: If you add a pinch of turmeric to skimmed milk and drink it, its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the swelling of the arteries.
Blood Pressure Control: Potassium present in milk helps in controlling blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke.
weight management: Drinking protein-rich milk makes you feel full, which helps you avoid eating unhealthy snacks. Reducing obesity directly improves heart health.
Doctors say that if you already have heart blockage or high cholesterol problem, you should avoid ‘full fat’ or ‘buffalo milk’. Also, drinking milk with sugar can be even more harmful for the heart, because sugar increases triglycerides.
