Adding a dash of semi-skimmed milk to your tea daily might lower the risk of
depression
and anxiety, research suggests.
A significant British research project discovered that individuals who consistently consume low-fat milk have approximately a thirty percent lower chance of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk whatsoever.
The safeguarding benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by either full-fat milk or skimmed milk.
However, it’s unfortunate for vegans — the research indicates that individuals consuming non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety or depression.
The researchers, affiliated with the Southern Medical University in
China
The findings indicated that there is something specific regarding the fat composition in semi-skimmed milk which positively impacts the brain and enhances levels of ‘feel-good’ hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
A significant British research project discovered that individuals who frequently consume low-fat milk have approximately a thirty percent lower risk of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk at all.
The shielding benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by either full-fat milk or skimmed milk.
However, it’s not good news for vegans — the research indicates that individuals consuming non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety or depression.
In the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the researchers stated: “The fatty acid composition of semi-skimmed milk could offer better brain protection than full-cream and skimmed milk, which may help lower the chances of developing depression and anxiety.”
They mentioned that the results offered ‘fresh opportunities for nutritional interventions’.
The study examined information from 357,568 individuals aged 36 to 73, tracked for over 13 years. Within this period, 13,065 participants received a diagnosis of depression, and 13,339 were identified as having anxiety.
Individuals who regularly consumed semi-skimmed milk, which is the most popular type in the United Kingdom, showed an 18 percent reduced likelihood of being diagnosed with depression when compared to non-milk drinkers. Additionally, these individuals had a 30 percent decreased chance of experiencing anxiety.
On the contrary, consuming full-cream or whole milk appeared to be associated with a reduced likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms, though it did not have an impact on depression.
People who reported consuming non-dairy milk showed a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with anxiety or depression when compared to individuals who drank dairy milk in any form as well as those who did not consume any milk.
The authors stated: ‘In order to firmly confirm these correlations, additional studies must be conducted to verify’
These findings and investigate how varying levels of milk consumption influence mental well-being.
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