Whole Milk Linked To a Reduced Body Weight

If you’re trying to trim your waistline, chances are you opt for skim milk instead of the whole milk alternative. While whole milk offers a creamy, decadent taste, skim has been known to come with less fat and fewer calories, boding well for your waistline. But that idea may not ring true any longer.

According to a 12-year study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, middle-aged men who regularly indulged in high-fat milk, butter and cream were actually less likely to become overweight or obese over time when compared to those who strayed from whole dairy fat. Similarly, a study of children that was published in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood revealed that drinking low-fat milk was associated with a higher weight gain over time. Greg Miller, executive vice president of the National Dairy Council, explained that more and more research is coming through supporting the fact that high-fat dairy is associated with a lower risk of obesity.

While experts have not pinpointed the connection between whole milk and a reduced body weight, researchers believe that it could be due to the full feeling that it leaves you with. Whole milk products can make you feel fuller much faster. Therefore, if you’re having a glass of whole milk with dinner, you may be less likely to overeat what’s on your plate. Another culprit for the reduced risk of obesity may be the bioactive substances in milk fat. These substances could potentially alter metabolism and help the body to burn fat for energy instead of simply storing it in your system.

Whole milk contains saturated fat, but low-fat milk may not be too much better for the heart. The skim variety has a high glycemic index, which increases triglyceride levels, making issues like high cholesterol and hypertension worse.

The bottom line? If you’re trying to shed some pounds, going with skim milk may not be your best bet. Incorporate other dairy products into your diet as well – the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that everyone older than age nine consumes three cups of dairy a day. Enroll in cooking school online to learn tasty ways to incorporate dairy into your diet.