Plant-based Milk and Vegan Diets

https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/experts-issue-warning-over-oat-milk-after-it-is-linked-to-health-harm/ar-AA1x2Dq9?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=beed6c14f1bd426aa51f5d4ec87a1336&ei=21


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If you splash almond milk over your porridge or opt for oat milk flat whites, then you might want to think again. Opting for plant-based diary alternatives could harm your mental health, if new research is to be believed.

Scientists, who tracked more than 350,000 Brits, discovered plant-based milk drinkers were more likely to suffer from depression than those who drank semi-skimmed cow's milk. Chinese researchers said semi-skimmed contains more good fats than skimmed milk but fewer bad fats than full-fat. Previous research has found 'good fats' may increase the production of serotonin — a hormone that can alter mood.

This, they theorised, means the milk could sit in a sweet spot where it improves mental health. It also shatters the myth that milk alternatives are always the healthier option, they argued. The research comes just months after separate studies have linked the drinks to blood glucose spikes, bloating, skin issues and being protein deficient.

Many plant drinks, like almond, oat, or coconut, often have less saturated fat than cow's milk and may seem like the 'healthier' choice
Many plant drinks, like almond, oat, or coconut, often have less saturated fat than cow's milk and may seem like the 'healthier' choice
In the fresh study, scientists at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, southern China, tracked the diets and mental health of participants for more than a decade.

They found semi-skimmed cow's milk drinkers were 12 per cent less likely to be depressed and 10 per cent less likely to have anxiety. Those who consumed plant-based milks, such as soya and almond, had a 14 per cent increased chance of depression. Writing in the journal, Frontiers in Nutrition, the researchers said: ''Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, protein and minerals, which are essential for maintaining human health.

'The fatty acid profile of semi-skimmed milk might provide greater cerebral [brain] protection compared to full cream milk and skimmed milk, thereby potentially reducing the risk of both depression and anxiety.

'These findings suggest that semi-skimmed milk may have a protective effect against these mental health conditions, presenting new prospects for dietary interventions.' Research has long shown that too much saturated fat in a diet may raise the risk of high cholesterol, strokes and heart disease. It has also been shown to increase the risk of depression.

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@Rajk999 said
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/experts-issue-warning-over-oat-milk-after-it-is-linked-to-health-harm/ar-AA1x2Dq9?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=beed6c14f1bd426aa51f5d4ec87a1336&ei=21


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If you splash almond milk over your porridge or opt for oat milk flat whites, then you might want to think again. Opting for plant-based diary al ...[text shortened]... It has also been shown to increase the risk of depression.

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@Suzianne said
In America this (semi-skimmed) is colloquially called "2% milk" which is half the milkfat of whole milk (4% milkfat) yet not fat-free. I have not succumbed to the fad of plant-based milk, and all the milk I use (mainly for coffee and cereal) is 2%. Even when I was a child, my family only used 2%.

I would be interested i the actual studies.

@Ponderable said
I would be interested i the actual studies.

@Rajk999
Thank you. In fact I think as a reviewer I would have asked the question: How do you know what is cause and what effect. From the same data I can infer that people with depression tend to choose plant-based milk" over cow-milk...

Edit: We would need a study on people who change from one to type to another to find out if the effect is as claimed. And to be fair: authors did mention the necessity of further research.

@Ponderable said
@Rajk999
Thank you. In fact I think as a reviewer I would have asked the question: How do you know what is cause and what effect. From the same data I can infer that people with depression tend to choose plant-based milk" over cow-milk...

Edit: We would need a study on people who change from one to type to another to find out if the effect is as claimed. And to be fair: authors did mention the necessity of further research.

@Rajk999 said
A fair question, one which Im sure the researchers would have considered. But, it probably is not likely that the depression comes first. Why would a depressed persons say ... lets try almond milk ?

Anyway, quite a few studies are coming out which are running contrary to some long held beliefs, eg
- red meat causes cancer
- saturated fat, animal fat causes heart disease
- corn, soya oils are heart healthy