Milk Jugs (Photo : Reuters)
The United States is set to publish its five-year dietary guidelines at the end 2015, yet recommendations in the draft have sparked controversy as some health experts argue that they oppose some recent research. In particular, milk is in the spotlight in a debate as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) newest version of diet guidelines promotes low-fat (such as skim) or non-fat milk. It also connects full-fat milk to heart disease, although little research has linked saturated fats with vascular problems.
The federal government's work-in-progress document encourages Americans to eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seafood, according to CBS News. It also recommends dairy products with little or no fat, including milk, yogurt, and cheese.
The FDA warned against many calories from high-fat dairy products. In fact, it links full-fat milk to heart diseases.
However, The Washington Post noted that several studies show that whole-fat milk can provide various benefits, including more weight loss and lower rates of obesity. Its calcium also boosts metabolism more.
Despina Hyde is a registered dietician at New York University's Langone Weight Management program. She explained that "good" or healthy fat provides a feeling of fullness.
Marcia Otto is the lead author of studies that were published in 2012 and 2013. She explained that experts have learned that certain high-fat foods can have health benefits, according to Pulse Headlines.
Hyde also explained that milk contains saturated fat. Healthier fats include omega 3 (fatty fish and seeds) monounsaturated fats (nuts and olive oil), and polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oils), according to The Washington Post.
The USDA guidelines have an impact on school lunch programs. Thus, children in cafeterias could be served the kind of milk endorsed in the federal agency's end-of-year document.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently reported at a U.S. House committee hearing that the new guidelines will help Americans to eat healthier foods. That event was on October 7, Wednesday.
This video includes some health benefits of milk:
