Regular milk consumption is not associated with increased cholesterol levels and may in fact have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, according to a new international scientific study.
Researchers from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, led by Professor Vimal Karani, Professor of Nutritional Science at the University of Reading, published their findings in the International Journal of Obesity.
The team conducted a meta-analysis of three large studies involving a combined total of approximately 1.9 million people.
The researchers found that people who regularly consume larger quantities of milk tend to have lower levels of both high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as "good" cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, despite having a higher average body mass index than those who do not drink milk.
Lower risk of coronary heart disease
According to the study, regular milk drinkers also had, on average, a 14% lower risk of coronary heart disease.
The findings challenge the long-standing perception that milk consumption contributes to elevated cholesterol levels and poorer heart health.
"The findings suggest that reducing milk consumption is not necessary for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, even though a small increase is observed in body mass index and body fat among people who drink milk," Karani said.
Challenging conventional assumptions
For years, milk has often been viewed with caution because of its saturated-fat content and its perceived impact on cholesterol.
However, the study's findings suggest the relationship between milk consumption, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health may be more complex than previously thought.
The researchers concluded that regular milk consumption does not appear to increase cholesterol levels and may be associated with a reduced risk of coronary disease
