By Aukash Zahid New studies show that people who consume low-fat milk have a 56% higher chance of diabetes opposed to those who drink full-fat milk.
Of the 26 KU students we surveyed, 11 of them said they only purchase semi-skimmed or low-fat milk, as they have always believed it is the healthier option.
“My father has had diabetes for over 10 years, so semi-skimmed milk is all that we ever buy, as it is promoted by shops to have low fat and calories,” said Vanessa Tiffen, a second year film student.
“It’s the same with yogurt and cheese. We always go for the light or diet version. I’ve never actually bothered to look up the benefits of it, but from now on I will certainly be more careful,” she added.
It is true that full-fat milk is higher in fat and calories, but experts suggest that this fat is “good fat”, and should be consumed regularly as is it is high in vitamin A and vitamin E, and very essential to the body.
“Vitamin A is great for your eyes, and bone development in children. Vitamin E on the other hand, is to protect against neurological diseases such as diabetes,” said retired Kingston nurse, Mrs Tess Gustard.
“The media has a tendency to add too much emphasis on low-fat products. There are some fats that the body needs, and having a lack of them could be dangerous.
The same applies in the drinks industry. Just because a juice has less sugar than a Coke, doesn’t mean that it is good for you,” she further added.
Over 400 million people are affected by diabetes world-wide, and over three million from the UK alone. It is becoming increasingly common amongst young adults and children.
If you are unsure about your dietary habits, always consult a professional nutritionist. Always do your full research into food products before consuming them.
Research has made it clear that full-fat milk is the healthiest option. It is now time to jump off the semi-skimmed bandwagon, and welcome full-fat milk back into our homes.
Get in touch with us via Twitter and Instagram, with the hashtag: ahealthierkingston Let us know where you buy your milk and how much for.