"Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk When Consuming 'This' Instead of Soy Milk"

Milk Consumption in Adults Over 40 → Supports Cardiovascular Health

A study has found that drinking milk after the age of 40 is more beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

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According to the Korea Food Communication Forum (KOFRUM) on the 14th, a research team led by Professor Kim Hyoseon from the Department of Technology and Home Economics Education at Kongju National University analyzed the association between milk and soy milk consumption and cardiovascular diseases among 4,113 men and women aged 40 to 64 who participated in the 2012?2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The results showed that those aged 40 and above who drank milk three times a week had higher blood HDL (so-called 'good cholesterol') levels compared to those who did not drink milk or soy milk or those who drank soy milk. This research was published in the recent issue of the Journal of the Korean Society of Food and Nutrition Science.

Professor Kim’s research team classified the study subjects into three groups: ▲ those who did not consume either milk or soy milk ▲ those who consumed milk three times a week ▲ those who consumed soy milk three times a week.

The group that did not consume either milk or soy milk accounted for the largest portion at 61.5%, the milk consumption group three times a week was 26.0%, and the soy milk consumption group three times a week was 12.5%.

The 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease was lowest in the group consuming milk three times a week at 5.9%, compared to 7.1% in the non-consumption group and 8.0% in the soy milk consumption group.

Especially among women aged 50 to 64, the average HDL cholesterol level in the milk consumption group was 53.5 mg/dL, higher than the non-consumption group (51.7 mg/dL) and the soy milk consumption group (51.2 mg/dL). Higher blood HDL cholesterol levels are known to be beneficial for vascular health.

In the paper, Professor Kim’s team explained, "The daily milk intake of Koreans aged 40 and above is significantly below the adult recommended daily milk intake of one cup (200 mL) set by the Korean Nutrition Society, and only 26.0% of adults aged 40 and above drink milk three times a week. The conclusion of this study is that adults aged 40 and above who drink milk three times a week have higher blood HDL cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risk compared to those who do not drink milk or those who drink soy milk three times a week."

They added, "For adults aged 40 and above, consuming soy milk along with milk is thought to be helpful for cardiovascular health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.