Many people opt for skim milk, a fat-free drink milk alternativeeither in a Cup of coffee or bowl of cereal. However, it lacks the creaminess of typical milk, giving it a watery consistency that is not suitable for all palates. That said, there are some surprising side effects of drinking skim milk, from its nutritional value to its potential muscle-building properties, that make this morning staple popular in many households.
“There are many benefits to be gained from incorporating any low-fat or fat-free dairy product into daily eating patterns, primarily due to the nutrient-rich profile dairy products they provide, including nutrients like vitamins A and D,” says Heather Sachs, MS RD, director of regulatory affairs for blue apron. There are also some drawbacks to be aware of if it’s your milk of choice.
Read on to find out what using this morning drink could do for your health. Also, don’t miss The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Science Says.
If you’re watching your fat intake, then you can opt for a glass of skim milk. “Skim milk has fewer calories and no fat or cholesterol compared to whole milk and 1%, 2%,” says Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, owner of Sound bites nutrition. A standard glass of 1 percent milk contains 2.5 grams of fat and 2 percent contains 5 grams of fat, while a glass of skim milk has 0 grams of fat.
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While skim milk doesn’t have as much fat as its counterparts, it does carry a similar nutrition label. “Skim milk provides the same amount of calcium, vitamin D, and protein as other grades of cow’s milk,” says Andrews. According ChildrenHealthSkim milk offers a good source of protein and provides the same vitamins and minerals as whole milk.
According to him World Cancer Research Fund International, there is strong evidence to suggest that dairy products reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. This is said to be the result of the combination of calcium and vitamin D present in dairy products.
If you have hypertension, or high blood pressure, drinking some skim milk can potentially lower those numbers without medication. “Diets that contain enough calcium from skim milk help lower blood pressure and are part of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet,” says Andrews.
Many people turn to skim milk when looking for a low-calorie alternative, but it can actually do the opposite compared to its counterparts. “Skim milk can actually lead to overconsumption due to the lack of the satiety factor (since it’s low in fat),” he says. Dr. Lana ButnerBoard Certified Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist.
Looking to lower your cholesterol levels? Skim milk has less saturated fat compared to whole milk, which can promote lower cholesterol. “Saturated fat has been linked to higher levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol), so if you’re working to lower your cholesterol, this could be an alternative, says Dr. Butler.
Skim milk is a great source of protein, providing about 8 grams per cup, which can help build muscle. Milk contains branched-chain amino acids, and this group of 3 specific amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are known to stimulate muscle growth,” says breanna woodsMS RD, registered dietitian for blogilates.
To keep your skin clear and less prone to blemishes and acne, you may want to stay away from skim milk. “Low-fat milk is not recommended for adolescents because it increases the chance of acne,” says Andrews.
Casey Clark
Casey Clark is a current journalism student at Hofstra University with a passion for food, beauty, and entertainment. read more
