It may be time to switch to soy. Or almonds. Or oats.
Regularly drinking cow’s milk may increase the risk of developing ischemic heart disease (IHD), a condition that can lead to heart attacks, according to a new study published in BMC Medicine on Friday.
The researchers found that the risk also increased the more milk was drunk – but only half the population should be concerned about it.
A team at Uppsala University in Sweden determined that women were more likely to develop heart disease if they consumed milk, but men’s heart health was not affected in the same way.
Looking at data on about 60,000 women and 40,000 men, they found that women who drank 400 ml (13.53 oz) of milk per day had a 5% increased risk of heat illness. To put this into perspective, a large latte from Starbucks made with 12 oz of milk.
Increasing that intake to 600 ml (20.29 oz) had a 12% increased risk, while decreasing that intake to 800 ml (27.05 oz) had a 21% increased risk.
Researchers believe that the lactose in milk can cause inflammation, which can damage the heart.
People with ischemic heart disease (also called coronary artery disease) have a narrowing of the heart’s arteries, which limits blood flow and oxygen to the heart. It can cause chest pain and, in severe cases, a heart attack.
“A healthy diet is essential for the prevention of cardiovascular disease,” said study author Professor Karl Michaelson.
“Our analysis supports an association between milk intake higher than 300 ml per day and higher rates of ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction. [heart attack] specifically, in women, but not in men.”
“The higher risk in women was evident regardless of milk fat content. Replacing unfermented milk with moderate intake of fermented milk may lower the risks, Michaelson added.
U.S. milk consumption has been declining since the 1940s. According to USDA data, Americans drank an average of just 0.33 cups (2.64 ounces) per day from 2017 to 2018.
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