The secret health benefit of milk you probably didn’t know about

We all know that milk is an excellent way to boost bone health, but the beverage may also protect the heart.

According to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity, drinking one glass of milk a day can dramatically improve cardiovascular and coronary health for habitual drinkers.

The new findings were derived from more than 2 million US and UK participants.

Milk does your heart good

The team of researchers from the University of Reading, University of South Australia, Southern Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University College London, and the University of Auckland determined that participants who regularly consumed milk evidenced a 14% risk decrease for coronary heart disease — in addition to showcasing lower levels of good and bad cholesterol.

Although heavy milk drinkers experienced a slight increase in BMI and body fat, the authors of the new paper are confident that dairy actually offers more pros than cons when consumed in moderation. This is especially true with respect to heart health.

Cheese and yogurt also benefit heart health

For a long time, it was widely believed that dairy products yielded a neutral effect on heart health—even among academics.

However, more recent literature suggests that milk-based products actually help fight disease when consumed regularly. This is also true for milk products high in fat, like yogurt and cheese.

The data says that five nutrients are behind this correlation: calcium, vitamin D, protein, bioactive peptides, fatty acids.

Moreover, participants who had a previous history of cardiovascular disease reported a 20% lower risk for mortality as a result of drinking milk.

Similarly, a report published a year prior linked dairy consumption with a 9% risk decrease for stroke. Calcium obtained from dairy products was associated with a 31% lower risk of stroke in the same report.

Is too much milk harmful to health?

Before you feast on a cheese plate tonight, consider also the health risks that come with consuming too much milk. A study from the BMJ journal found that women who drank an excessive amount of whole milk daily double their risk of death compared to women who adhere to guidelines established by health systems. Men increased their risk of early death by about 10%.

Excessive milk consumption can also lead to weight gain, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.