Milk Might Be the Secret to Fighting Depression and Anxiety

Adding a dash of semi-skimmed milk to your daily tea might lower the risk of depression and anxiety, research suggests.

A substantial research from the UK discovered that individuals who frequently consume skimmed milk have about a thirty percent lower chance of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk whatsoever.

The shielding benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by full-fat milk or skimmed milk.

However, this is unfortunate news for vegans—those who consume non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk appear to be at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety or depression, according to the study.

The researchers, affiliated with Southern Medical University, China The findings indicated that there is something regarding the fat composition in semi-skimmed milk which positively impacts the brain and increases levels of 'feel-good' hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

A substantial research from the UK discovered that individuals who routinely consume skimmed milk have about a thirty percent lower chance of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk whatsoever.

The protective benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by either full-fat milk or skimmed milk.

However, this is unfortunate news for vegans—individuals who consume non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk appear to be at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety or depression, according to the study.

In the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the researchers stated: "The fatty acid composition of semi-skimmed milk could offer better brain protection than full-cream and skimmed milk, which may help lower the chances of developing depression and anxiety."

They mentioned that the results offered 'fresh opportunities for nutritional interventions'.

The study examined information from 357,568 individuals ranging in age from 36 to 73 years old, tracked for over 13 years. Within this period, 13,065 participants received a diagnosis of depression, while 13,339 were identified as having anxiety disorders.

Individuals who regularly consumed semi-skimmed milk, which is the most popular type in the United Kingdom, showed an 18 percent reduced likelihood of being diagnosed with depression when compared to non-consumers. Additionally, these individuals had a 30 percent decreased chance of experiencing anxiety.

On the contrary, consuming full-cream or whole milk was associated with a reduced likelihood of experiencing anxiety, though it did not have an impact on depression.

People who reported consuming non-dairy milk were more prone to being diagnosed with anxiety or depression than those who drank dairy milk in any form and those who did not consume any milk.

The authors stated: 'In order to firmly confirm these correlations, additional studies must be conducted to verify.'

These findings and examine how varying levels of milk consumption influence psychological well-being.