In a recent study done by the University of Maine, researchers have found that adults up to the age of 98 who had a higher intake of milk and milk products scored significantly higher on memory and other brain function tests than those who drank little to no milk. The study published in the International Dairy Journal showed that the milk drinkers were five times less likely to fail the cognitive tests compared to the non milk drinkers. Milk could quite possibly be a food to keep your mind young.
The study tested over 900 men and women of ages 23 to 98 on a series of brain tests such as visual-spatial, verbal, and working memory tests. The researchers tracked the milk consumption habits of the participants. In a series of eight different measures of mental performances those who drank at least one glass of milk daily scored higher. The highest scores came from those with the highest intakes of milk and milk products.
The scientists made sure to control for other factors that could affect brain health such as cardiovascular health and other lifestyle and diet factors. As a side note, the milk drinkers tended to have healthier diets overall. While the scientists think that more research is needed, this study suggests that some of milk’s nutrients may have a direct effect on brain function and might help memory loss prevention.
Overall, there are many health benefits of milk from bone to cardiovascular health benefits, and now even the potential to fight off mental decline. The new and emerging brain health benefits are one more reason to include low-fat or fat free milk products into your diet on a daily basis.
