Low-fat or whole milk... which is better?

Modern dietary guidelines recommend consuming full-fat dairy products, contrary to previous guidelines that advised low-fat or fat-free dairy, raising many questions about which type is better for health.

In explaining the guidelines, nutritionist Ashley Carnehen said that it varies from person to person and depends on the diet as a whole.

She stated: "The new guidelines still recommend that no more than 10 percent of calories should come from saturated fat. Let's say someone prefers full-fat milk and yogurt and doesn't usually eat meat; in that case, I would support their choice of these products as a source of fat."

She added to Verywell Health: "Whether you choose low-fat , skimmed or whole milk, the nutrients we look for in milk are almost the same. They are all fortified with vitamin D and provide the same amount of calcium. The only difference in low-fat or skimmed milk is the absence of fat itself."

Before choosing which milk is best, the specialist recommends examining your diet and identifying sources of saturated fat. If your diet is high in saturated fat, low-fat milk is advised, while whole milk can be consumed without any concerns if you follow a low-fat diet.

The specialist also advised considering the amount of milk consumed daily to determine which of the two options is better.

She explained: "If you prefer whole milk, drink it, but try to reduce another element in your diet that may be high in saturated fat. If you drink skimmed milk , that's great too, and it will give you more flexibility in your food choices throughout the day."

She concluded: "If you choose plant-based milk, try to avoid flavored varieties as they contain high amounts of added sugar and less protein. I wouldn't say everyone should drink cow's milk, as everyone has their own preferences and circumstances. The important thing is to achieve balance in the diet."