The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 09, 2025
Today: April 09, 2025

Simple milk swap could lower your heart disease risk

Milk Consumption
milk consumption may increase heart disease risk in women.
November 15, 2024
Pooja Mamnoor - LA Post

Regular consumption of cow's milk may increase women's risk of developing ischemic heart disease, according to a comprehensive study published in BMC Medicine. The research reveals a gender-specific correlation between dairy intake and cardiovascular health.

Swedish researchers at Uppsala University analyzed data from approximately 100,000 participants, including 60,000 women and 40,000 men, to examine the relationship between milk consumption and heart disease risk. The findings indicate that women who consume 400 milliliters of milk daily face a 5% higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease, while those drinking 800 milliliters experience a 21% increase in risk.

"A healthy diet is essential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases," said lead researcher Professor Karl Michaรซlsson of Uppsala University. "Our analysis supports an association between milk intake higher than 300 milliliters per day and higher rates of ischemic heart disease, and myocardial infarction (heart attack) specifically, in women, but not in men."

The study suggests that lactose in milk may trigger inflammation, potentially leading to arterial damage. Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, occurs when arteries narrow, restricting blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

The research team found that the fat content of milk did not influence the outcomes. "The higher risk in women was evident irrespective of the fat content of the milk," Professor Michaรซlsson noted. He added that "replacing non-fermented milk with moderate fermented milk intake could lower the risks."

Plant-based alternatives present viable options for those seeking to reduce their dairy intake. Popular substitutes include soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk varieties. These alternatives have gained increasing market share as milk consumption in the United States continues its decades-long decline.

U.S. Department of Agriculture data indicates that average daily milk consumption among Americans has dropped to 0.33 cups as of 2018, marking a significant decrease since the 1940s. This trend aligns with growing consumer interest in dairy alternatives and increased awareness of dietary impacts on health.

Share This

Popular

Crime|Health|Political|US

Federal judges in New York and Texas block deportations of some people challenging the Alien Enemies Act

Federal judges in New York and Texas block deportations of some people challenging the Alien Enemies Act
Economy|Health|Political|Science|US

USDA to lose bird flu response employees, source says

USDA to lose bird flu response employees, source says
Business|Economy|Health|Science|Technology

PacBio to cut jobs, lower spending over NIH funding cuts and tariffs

PacBio to cut jobs, lower spending over NIH funding cuts and tariffs
Health|Lifestyle|US

Oklahoma City bombing survivor reflects on life nearly 30 years later

Oklahoma City bombing survivor reflects on life nearly 30 years later

Health

Food|Health|MidEast|Political|World

Six weeks since Israel imposed total Gaza blockade, last food is running out

Six weeks since Israel imposed total Gaza blockade, last food is running out
Crime|Health|US

Utah woman who survived gunshot to head 8 years ago now in hospice care

Utah woman who survived gunshot to head 8 years ago now in hospice care
Economy|Europe|Health|Science|US

Americans die earlier at all wealth levels, even if wealth buys more years of life in the US than in Europe

Americans die earlier at all wealth levels, even if wealth buys more years of life in the US than in Europe
Education|Health|Political

Coloradoโ€™s early childhood education workers face burnout and health disparities, but a wellness campaign could help

Coloradoโ€™s early childhood education workers face burnout and health disparities, but a wellness campaign could help

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In