It is typically our first form of food and nutrients. We're born
crying out for it...Milk. Milk does a body good. That's what they say at
least. Is it true? Well...studies continue to tell us all about the
negatives of consuming cow's milk but there are definitely undeniably
healthy attributes to the dairy supplement including weight loss.
Milk is submerged with protein.
A
study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed
that adults who drank the highest amounts of dairy per day lost more
weight than those who consumed less.
The study also showed that higher levels of vitamin D found in the blood were linked to weight loss.
The
study included over 300 overweight individuals ranging in age from
40-65. Participants had to fill out questionnaires regarding their daily
dairy intake. The dairy section comprised 12 foods, such as low- and
regular-fat milk, chocolate milk, low- and regular-fat yogurt, and
yellow and white hard cheeses.
"Our study suggests that both
higher dairy calcium intake and increased [blood] vitamin D are related
to greater diet-induced weight loss," said researcher Danit R. Shahar,
of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer-Sheva, Israel.
The
correlation between vitamin D and weight loss was amazing. Prior to the
study the overweight individuals all had low levels of vitamin D. Has
the study progressed those with the highest levels of vitamin D were the
ones with the greatest weigh loss.
"Low vitamin D is associated
with weight gain, and raising vitamin D is looking more and more like it
is able to help with weight loss," says Vincent Pera, MD, director of
the Miriam Hospital Weight Management Program in Providence, R.I
New age dieticians argue that cow's milk is full of herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics and variety of bacteria and viruses.
While
others argue that is what homogenization and pasteurization is for.
However, those processes are also known to destroy whatever nutrients
are left. If you are afraid of the possible risks that may reside in
natural dairy products there are several non-dairy alternatives out
there.
A liquid that is growing in popularity...Almond Milk.
Almond milk is made from the grinding and soaking of almonds. It
contains less fat and calories than regular milk. Although, it contains
more carbohydrates than regular milk.
Almond milk as an array of
nutritional benefits ranging from free of lactose and cholesterol to
rich in vitamins A, B and E. It is also said to improve digestion,
strengthens the muscular tissues and lowers the risk of cataracts, heart
diseases and cancer.
Another great substitute to cow's milk is
soy milk. Soy milk is an extract of Soya beans, which are known for
their health benefits. Soy milk, like almond milk, is also lactose-free.
Soy
milk contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (good fats),
which include omega-6 and plant omega-3 fatty acids. Daily consumption
of Soy milk can significantly lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Being
low in saturated fat, soy milk is known for its aid in weight loss. The
lack of carbohydrates also helps individuals trying to lose weight.
For vegetarians who stay away from milk and eggs, soy milk contains high levels of vitamin B12 that will help boost your energy.
Almond milk and soy milk now come in a variety of flavors making them much more appealing.
You
can substitute either for dairy and get the vitamins and minerals you
need. Regardless, all three forms of "milk" have proven to show they
help in losing weight. You don't have to stick to just one. Switch it up
if you want. Just make sure you are getting enough calcium, protein and
vitamin D to keep your bones and body healthy and fit.
This article is provided by Rachel Buxton, a Fitness Success Team member at The ThinPill.
Article Source:
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