A groundbreaking study involving over 350,000 participants has unearthed a potentially startling side effect of drinking plant-based milk.
The research indicates that consumers of these types of milk, which include alternatives such as soya and almond milk, may face a higher risk of depression compared to those who drink traditional cow’s milk.
The extensive UK Biobank study, which spanned a decade, tracked the dietary habits of individuals to identify potential mental health concerns, yielding some remarkable findings.
Notably, it was found that those who opt for semi-skimmed cow’s milk are at a 12 per cent lower risk of depression and have a 10 per cent reduced chance of experiencing anxiety.
In contrast, the likelihood of depression could be 14 per cent higher for those who favour plant-based milk options.
Published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal, the researchers posited: « The fatty acid profile of semi-skimmed milk might provide greater cerebral protection compared to full-cream milk and skimmed milk, thereby potentially reducing the risk of both depression and anxiety. »
This isn’t the first instance where the impact of dairy on mental health has been scrutinised. A review conducted in 2019 assessed various observational studies to determine if there was a link between dairy consumption and depressive symptoms or disorders in adults, reports Surrey Live.
The results were inconclusive, with one study suggesting a positive correlation, five showing no connection, and seven presenting mixed outcomes, varying by population group, dairy type, and gender. The review concluded that further research is necessary.
The NHS has stated that milk and dairy products, being rich in protein and calcium, can form part of a balanced diet. It also highlighted that calcium-fortified alternatives such as oat, coconut or soya milk can be equally beneficial.
However, the health service emphasised the importance of checking product labels for fat content, particularly saturated fat, which is prevalent in milk and dairy products.
Consuming high levels of saturated fat can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.Healthline noted that plant-based milks generally contain less protein and other nutrients compared to cow’s milk.
It added that all types of milk and their alternatives offer various health benefits, including managing cholesterol levels and boosting antioxidant intake, but they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
The site also advised checking labels for added sugars or additives and consulting a paediatrician before giving plant-based milk to young children. For further information, visit the website here.
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