Does the High Fat Content in Milk Affect Health?

Milk is known for its relatively high fat content, primarily composed of saturated fatty acids. However, it also contains several beneficial fat components that can contribute to overall health.

One of the largest health cohorts in the United States tracked 120,000 people for at least 12 years. The results revealed that increasing daily consumption of whole milk did not lead to weight gain; in fact, it was associated with a slight decrease in weight. Additionally, a systematic review of prospective studies found that drinking milk did not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases or mortality.

In reality, the relationship between fat consumption and cardiovascular diseases is not as straightforward as previously believed. "Saturated fat" isn't a single substance but rather a broad category of chemical compounds, and its impact on the body varies widely. Based on current research findings, it appears that the fat found in milk may not have clear negative effects. Summarizing the current research results:

For children, consuming milk can reduce the risk of obesity.
For adults, including dairy products in the diet helps preserve lean body mass during weight loss and improves body composition.
Drinking milk is associated with a slight reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Milk consumption can increase bone density and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and gastric cancer, while not increasing the risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
Overall, adding milk and dairy products to one's diet can be beneficial for health.