Milk helps beat fat
A GLASS of milk could be a girl's new best friend when it comes to a healthy body weight.
A new study published in the European Journal of Paediatrics found teenage girls who drank milk were more likely to carry less body fat and had a lower Body Mass Index.
The research recently published in the European Journal of Paediatrics involved 1001 males and females aged 15-18 years.
Researchers measured weight and height and body fat percentage, and gathered data on milk and dairy consumption.
They found the girls who were consuming more milk were more likely to have a lower BMI and a lower percentage of body fat. The results included consumption of both regular and low-fat milk.
While the same results were not seen in boys, dairy food consumption overall did not increase their risk of being overweight.
The researchers suggested important nutrients found in milk such as calcium and protein may be responsible for the positive results.
Dairy Australia dietician Glenys Zucco said the calcium found in milk may help prevent fat being stored in the body and milk's unique whey protein levels is thought to suppress appetite.
But many Australian teenage girls are missing out on milk's benefits.
A serve of dairy is equal to a glass of milk, a tub of yogurt or two slices of cheese.
Fast facts
- 73% of women, 58% of men, 83% of girls and 62% of boys do not get enough dairy.
- Dairy foods are linked to reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer
