This post has been updated since its initial publication date to include more expert information.
In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and keeping your gut health in check, keeping inflammation levels low is another important key to successful weight loss. While a little inflammation is natural, it can lead to insulin resistance and other problems that can cause weight gain (or make it difficult to lose weight) over time. Unfortunately, many of the foods and drinks you consume every day can be causing inflammation, including the milk you drink.
To find out the worst inflammatory weight loss milk you could add to your morning cup of coffee, we spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat. She told us that you should consider cutting non organic whole milk if you would like to keep inflammation levels as low as possible. Learn more about the health effects of drinking this type of milk regularly below!
Non-organic whole milk is the worst milk for weight loss
If you’re trying to lose weight and keep inflammation at bay, it may be best to switch to low-fat organic milk. “The worst milk option out there is non-organic whole milk,” says Sabat. That’s partly because non-organic milk contains bovine growth hormone and antibiotics, which she warns can increase inflammation in the body. Likewise, red meat, such as beef, has higher cholesterol levels than chicken or fish. Eating red meat has been linked to a higher risk of bowel problems and even heart disease.
“These hormones and antibiotics can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance, which can lead to inflammation,” explains Sabat. But it’s not just hormones you should get tired of. She notes that non-organic milk can also contain inflammatory chemicals and pesticides. Damn!
Then there is the issue of cholesterol and fat content. “Whole milk makes the product higher in cholesterol and saturated fat, both of which can lead to inflammation and weight gain,” says Sabat. “Also, fat carries toxins, so non-organic whole milk can have toxins that are not only inflammatory, but unhealthy.” That’s not what you want in your morning cereal bowl!
Conclusion
For these reasons, it’s best not only to switch to organic milk, but also to opt for low-fat or fat-free options. Sabat recommends skim milk or even plant-based options like almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk. “These alternatives are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can help reduce inflammation and weight gain, and are less likely to have GMO, antibiotic, and hormone residues, as well as toxins,” she concludes. I understood!