High fat content in whole milk is important for the growth and development of young children
For many years, most households, especially in the United States, have avoided drinking whole milk—as it is mostly consigned to adding in coffee or desserts. However, the drink is all set for a comeback as social media is in favour of adding whole milk to your daily diet.
On TikTok, there are nearly 5 million posts talking about the benefits of whole milk, which is packed with nutrition. Even in American schools, experts are now pushing for whole milk, swapping it with skim and low-fat milk, which has been required to be served since 2012 in cafeterias.
So, the question is, is switching to whole milk really a healthy choice or just another food fad?
Why was whole milk off the radar for some time?
Whole milk was America’s favourite before World War II. However, as nutrition science progressed, it was told to the people that it contained a lot of saturated fat, which could be detrimental to heart health. It was said that whole milk raised LDL, or bad cholesterol levels—the reason behind most heart attacks and strokes.
And so, those seeking weight loss and fit bodies stopped drinking whole milk altogether, with non-fat products taking the lead. Health.com says since 1985, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans have suggested low- and nonfat milk and dairy products for most people's daily consumption.
However, doctors have now rallied behind whole milk, saying its high fat content is important for the growth and development of young children and recommending it for kids between the ages of one and two years.
Health benefits of drinking whole milk
According to studies, all saturated fats pose the same direct health risks. Experts say dairy foods—including whole ones—are not a threat to your cardiovascular health and are loaded with protein and calcium.
Whole milk has a complete balance of nutrients, fats, and proteins, which helps enhance nutrient absorption as well. While it is higher in calories as compared to skim and low-fat milk, experts say the higher fat content in whole milk contributes to satiety and helps manage hunger better.
It is also good for weight loss if you are an active adult who regularly works out. Research says replacing whole milk with a reduced-fat variety can cause poor nutrient intake across the diet as a whole.
What are the downsides of consuming whole milk?
Doctors say despite too many plus points, whole milk has its share of downsides if you drink it in excess. One review has linked whole milk consumption to an increased risk of death from cancer. For every 200 grams—which is around a cup of milk consumed daily—the chances rose by 12 per cent.
If you drink too much of it, experts believe whole milk can also lead to weight gain.
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