Milk May Help to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke

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Tuesday, 24 May 2005

Scientists have found that drinking milk does not increase the risk of heart disease and stroke - in fact it may even have a protective effect.

The researchers, from the University of Bristol, found men who consumed at least 200ml a day were less likely to develop ischaemic heart disease. The study is published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Writing in the journal, the researchers say that milk has had a bad press as it increases cholesterol levels. Also, research has suggested rates of fatal heart disease are highest in countries who drink the most milk.

However, they say: "The present perception of milk as harmful, in increasing cardiovascular risk, should be challenged, and every effort should be made to restore it to its rightful place in a healthy diet."

The findings are based on data from 665 men from south Wales, aged 45-59, who kept detailed diaries of their food and drink consumption, and who underwent regular health checks over a period of 20 years.

During the study period, 54 had a stroke and 139 developed symptoms of ischaemic heart disease, such as a heart attack or angina. In total 225 died.

Men who drank the most milk had a lower risk of ischaemic heart disease, and a significantly lower risk of stroke than those who drank the least.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk. For full story goto: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4572831.stm