Vegans who replace cow’s milk with soy, almond, or other plant-based alternatives may face a higher chance of mental issues like depression and anxiety than individuals who drink cow’s milk regularly.
This finding emerged from a recent investigation of lifestyle patterns and mental health outcomes among hundreds of thousands of adults in the United Kingdom.
Mental well-being of milk drinkers
Scientists explored how different milk types might be linked to mental and emotional well-being over more than a decade.
Milk is consumed by billions of people worldwide, making it a major part of daily diets. After reviewing participants’ intake habits, researchers noted intriguing contrasts in mental health.
One group that stood out was semi-skimmed milk drinkers. According to data, they had lower rates of both anxiety and depression when compared to those who either consumed full-fat or plant-based alternatives.
This observation piqued the interest of Dr. Chunying Wu from Southern Medical University, who authored the study.
Shifting to non-dairy beverages
In recent years, many individuals have turned to non-dairy beverages. They cite environmental, health, or ethical concerns in their decision to avoid traditional cow’s milk.
Yet evidence suggests some of these milk alternatives may not provide the same mental health benefits. One explanation involves nutritional content.
“Milk is a rich source of nutrients such as lactose, lipids, protein, and minerals, which are essential for maintaining human health,” wrote the scientists from Southern Medical University.
Plant-based options, on the other hand, often differ in protein levels and might include added ingredients that influence mood.
Calcium and serotonin
Researchers found that cow’s milk delivers calcium in a form that supports pathways involved in serotonin production. Serotonin, sometimes called the body’s “feel-good” molecule, helps regulate mood and stress responses.
“Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in the brain with respect to mood and mental health. The most popular group of antidepressant medications promotes the absorption of serotonin,” the authors explained.
As a result, consistent calcium intake can potentially improve these natural coping mechanisms. Some plant-based milks also offer calcium, but the level and bioavailability may vary.
Source :https://www.earth.com