There are two schools of weight loss. One believes milk as magic solution to losing weight while the other correlates milk with high fat deposits. In this article, we shall discuss the truth behind milk’s function as an agent in losing weight or fat accumulator.
What does milk consist of?
The constituents of milk are divided into major and minor constituents. The minor constituents are negligible in a sense hence we shall neglect it. The major constituents are
- Water
- Protein
- Lactose
- Minerals and
- Fat
Function of each constituent:
We are well aware about water’s function. Hence, we shall skip the information. Next on line is protein.
It is a well-known fact that protein is building block for muscles. Nevertheless, did you know that proteins have satiating effect? I am sure this information is new. The proteins present in milk give satiating effect before you are full. This further prevents you from excess consumption of food.
The journal ‘Obesity’ published a study on a group of men and found that consuming milk for a period of 18 months leads to lesser body mass. However, the exact principle is still under investigation.
Fat and lactose supplies body with energy of which unused is stored as fact. This is one reason why one school of weight loss considers milk inefficient weight loss agent.
Talking about minerals, the majority is calcium. As known, calcium helps in developing and strengthening of bones.
So how do these Elements help in weight loss?
As mentioned above proteins provide satiating effect. Therefore, it reduces food intake and indirectly helps in losing weight. Interesting fact about protein (in milk) is that their consistency remains constant. For example if you are opting for whole milk or skimmed milk, the amount of protein remains the same. To be precise you consume 8g of protein per cup.
Scientists have recently given a new name to calcium-‘fat fighters’. University of Purdue in Indiana conducted a research. Young women were given 1000 mg of calcium every day for two years. In the end, every test subject lost 6 lbs of weight.
Dr. Michael Zemel also known as calcium expert analyzed 32 obese children. Out of them those who consumed calcium (through milk) lost 10% of their body weight while others consuming calcium supplements lost 6 to 8%.
Fats present in milk are responsible for milk’s negativity considering weight loss. However, skimmed and semi-skimmed milks have low fat content. Skimmed milk has about 0.6g of fat while semi-skimmed milk has 9g fat. These are volumes of fat present in the smallest chocolate bars.
Finally, consuming skimmed milk or semi skimmed milk helps greatly in losing weight. Next time you needn’t have any dilemma as to inclusion of milk during weight loss.
