Many people are still unsure about whether or not consuming dairy products leads to weight gain. Science is continuing to catch up, and the results are becoming clearer each and every day. Here’s the skinny:
Does Milk Help You Lose Weight?
The short answer is yes, milk appears to be linked with weight loss. According to research, individuals who consume dairy products each day lose on average two pounds as compared to one pound for those who rarely or never eat dairy. The explanation for this is fairly straightforward: fat-free milk has 8 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of protein per serving; this is compared to regular milk which has 12 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of protein per serving. Between the two, you’re guaranteed to lose a few pounds without risking your health in any way!
Why Are Some People More Susceptible To Weight Gain?
While we’re happy to learn that dairy is linked with weight loss, we have to admit that not all individuals benefit from milk consumption. Some people are more prone to weight gain when they consume dairy, while for others it’s the complete opposite. A diet high in carbohydrates and low in fat typically results in fewer calories being burned, but that doesn’t mean everyone will exhibit the same behavior. For instance, there are some genetic issues that make certain individuals more susceptible to weight gain when they consume dairy. Those with a defective LIPGENE gene are unable to process dietary fats effectively, which leads to them storing more fat than others in the same situation. This gene also makes them more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease.
Dairy Products Should Be Consumed In Moderation
Just like with many other food products, it’s important to consume dairy products in moderation. Like with many other foods, too much dairy can result in serious health complications. This is why the American Institute for Cancer Prevention suggests that people with a genetic predisposition for weight gain should limit their consumption of dairy (and other foods) to two servings per day. One serving is equivalent to one cup of milk, a tablespoon of cream, or a glass of yogurt. The idea is to spread out your dairy consumption throughout the day so that you don’t experience any negative effects due to overconsumption.
When Should You Avoid Drinking Milk?
If you want to lose weight, you should also be aware of when you should avoid drinking milk. The American Institute for Cancer Prevention lists the following dietary habits as being potentially harmful to your weight loss efforts:
- refined carbohydrates;
- dairy products;
- added fats; and
- salt.
By avoiding these foods and beverages, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of developing health problems that could hinder your ability to lose weight. In addition, you’ll also be removing some of the bad fats and added sugar that may otherwise accumulate in your body as you lose weight. This could potentially lead to serious health complications as well. So, to avoid all these negative consequences, you should primarily consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains whenever possible.
Many people are still skeptical about whether or not drinking milk helps them lose weight. While there’s no denying that dairy is linked with health benefits, not all dairy is created equal. Like with many other food products, some people may experience negative effects from consuming dairy too often or too highly. If you’re wondering whether or not milk will ‘make’ you lose weight, the answer is yes, but you have to consider the amount of dairy you’re consuming as well as the frequency with which you’re drinking it!