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Health whole milk for children significantly healthier than low-fat milk
Many people are more likely to use low-fat milk because they think it can keep them slim. However, scientists now confess that skim milk does not provide for lower weight. It also provides less vitamin D than whole milk.
Milk is considered a healthy natural product
In the past, milk was the epitome of healthy nutrition. But now there is a dispute over whether milk is healthy or harmful. For example, the natural product is said to strengthen bones and teeth, but according to studies, it may also favor diseases such as asthma. However, recent research shows that milk is actually healthy. However, some experts say that it is very important which milk is consumed. And especially when it comes to avoiding overweight.
According to a new study, children who drink whole milk are leaner and have higher vitamin D levels than those who drink low-fat or skimmed milk. (Image: Jenny Sturm / fotolia.com) Whole milk with health benefits
Last year, researchers in the journal "Circulation" reported that high-fat milk can reduce diabetes risk.
In addition, a study by American scientists pointed out that whole milk instead of skim milk could work better against pimples.
And Canadian researchers have now found in a study that children who drink whole milk, are slimmer and have higher vitamin D levels than those who drink low-fat or skimmed milk. The results of the study were published in the journal "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition".
Difference between healthy weight and overweight
According to study authors, children who drank whole milk (3.25 percent fat) had a body mass index (BMI) 0.72 points lower than those who consumed 1 or 2 percent milk.
This effect could make the difference between a healthy weight and being overweight. Jonathon Maguire, Pediatrician at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto (Ontario, Canada).
Although the study did not investigate why consuming higher fat milk is associated with a lower BMI, the results now challenge current health guidelines. The common recommendations in America are that people should consume low-fat milk and dairy products.
High-fat milk saturates the children stronger
Children were leaner when they were more saturated with high-fat milk compared to children who drank the same amount of low-fat milk, explained the doctors. Fat-reduced milk can actually make children eat more calories, Dr. Maguire.
In addition, children often consume fewer snacks and other unhealthy and high-calorie foods by consuming high-fat milk, researchers suggest.
Health effects of vitamin D deficiency and obesity
"Children who drink skim milk will not get any slimmer and they will not benefit from the higher vitamin D content of whole milk," said Drs. Maguire in a message from the clinic. "Low-fat milk brings two disadvantages."
A vitamin D deficiency increases bladder cancer risk according to the medical profession. Excessive body fat is also very unhealthy and can lead to several serious illnesses due to overweight and obesity.
In addition, a high BMI, for example, seems to influence the sexual maturity of children. Researchers found in another study: A high BMI triggers early puberty.
Obesity has tripled in the last 30 years
Guidelines in the United States and Canada actually say that children should consume two low-fat milk glasses (one or two percent fat each day).
So these countries want to reduce the risk of obesity in children. Unfortunately, obesity has tripled in the last 30 years. In the same period, the consumption of whole milk halved. Maguire.
What kind of milk should children drink?
For the current study, the physicians examined the data of 2,745 children between the ages of two and six years. Parents were asked about the size and weight of their children. This allowed the body mass index to be calculated. In addition, the experts took blood samples to determine children's vitamin D levels.
"We need the right answer to the question of what kind of milk our children should drink," Dr. Maguire. (as, ad)