Babies and toddlers are thought to benefit from the fat and protein in whole milk more than adults. Because they grow and develop so quickly, their bodies need the saturated fats found in whole milk. Adults might get the same benefits simply by drinking reduced-fat or nonfat milk.
Between full-fat/whole, %2, skim/low-fat and fat-free milk, the American Heart Association recommends fat-free, 0.5% fat and 1% fat milk for consuming as they are lower in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories and have slightly more nutrients.
Men and women should aim to consume three cups of milk each day. A cup is equal to 8 ounces of milk or yogurt. Cheese also counts! One and a half ounces of hard cheese is equivalent to one cup of milk when it comes to nutrition.
Whole milk contains vitamin D and calcium, essential in developing strong bones and teeth. “Children between the ages of one and two require 700mg of calcium per day,” says Pediatric Associates Senior Medical Director Barbara Alexander, D.O. “That can be found in two and a half cups of whole milk.”
Which is Better for Health? Reduced-fat milk and skim milk have fewer calories and higher amounts of vitamins than whole milk (thanks to fortification). They also have less saturated fat, which has been shown in studies to raise your "bad" cholesterol and put you at a higher risk for heart disease.
The Bottom Line. If you aren't lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy, it's totally OK to enjoy a regular glass of milk each day. From improving bone health to helping mitigate cognitive decline, drinking milk and incorporating other dairy items into your diet can come with some health benefits.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Babies and toddlers need fat in their diets for a variety of reasons, including healthy brain development. So it's usually recommended that kids 1 to 2 years old drink whole milk. Then, if their growth is steady, it's safe to switch to low-fat or nonfat (skim) milk.
"Coconut milk is a great option for those with digestive issues as it is easy to digest and is rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help support a healthy gut microbiome," Parsad tells us. Sabat suggests going one step further and trying coconut kefir.
Still, low or non-fat milk is the best choice for the elderly.
Drinking at least three servings of milk or eating dairy foods each day is a good way for seniors, like Doris, to get vitamin D and calcium, and protein.
It takes just a single glass of milk to achieve 25% of the daily recommendation for calcium and 15% of the recommendation for vitamin D. No matter your age, drinking milk regularly can help maintain muscle and preserve bone strength to lower risk for fractures and osteoporosis.
Swallow suspects that the key may have been milk's nutritional benefits, such as that it is rich in fat, protein, sugar and micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It is also a source of clean water. Depending on where your community lived, you may have evolved to tolerate it for one reason over another.
Provides Calcium
One of the primary benefits of milk is the high level of calcium, an essential nutrient for building and maintaining bone strength in seniors. Calcium is extremely important for preventing osteoporosis, especially in senior women.
1) Skim milk
It contains less fat than whole milk, making it easier for your stomach to digest. Skim milk also has a high pH level, which can neutralize stomach acid and help prevent heartburn. If you're lactose intolerant, you may tolerate skim milk better than other types of milk.
Like milk from animals, they should be considered optional for most adults, according to Willett and Ludwig. The researchers recommend choosing instead other sources of calcium, such as leafy greens, tofu, and fortified orange juice.
The amount of processing between skim and whole milk is relatively the same.
Whole milk contains saturated fat, which is known to increase total cholesterol, raising both LDL “bad” and HDL “good” cholesterol levels. However, the minerals in milk, specifically calcium and potassium may help to control blood pressure. Comparison of milk with other foods in the diet can affect study results.
Whole milk has a bad reputation because it has more saturated fat and may raise cholesterol. There are two kinds of cholesterol: LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, and HDL, the “good” cholesterol. When you drink whole milk, your LDL goes up more than if you drank skim milk.