Skimmed Milk may Not be Healthier Than Whole Milk

Two American researchers suggest that opting for skimmed milk or low-fat milk may not be healthier than whole milk despite recommendations from nutritionists. According to the US Department of Agriculture, an average person older than 9 years of age should consume three cups of dairy, which may include milk, yogurt or cheese. However as whole milk has higher fat content, nutritionists often suggest people should opt for low-fat or skimmed milk with the thinking that it will provide the same levels of calcium and vitamin D for the bones but without the excess weight gain.

However Dr David Ludwig and Dr Walter Willett said that there is little evidence that suggests that low-fat or skimmed milk is better than whole milk. Writing in their report, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, the researchers said that while the thinking is that drinking low-fat milk reduces the calorie intake, previous studies have shown that it is not necessarily true and children who drink low-fat milk tended to struggle with obesity later on in their lives.

“The issue is not to focus single-mindedly on fat reduction, and then condone lots of added sugars, as in chocolate milk. The bottom line is that reducing fat has not proven to be an effective approach to obesity, whereas there is very good evidence for the adverse effects of added sugars," especially for children”, Dr Ludwig said in a e-mail written to LA Times.com

Source-Medindia