Experts say drinking a glass of milk a day may help improve thinking skills, memory and overall wellbeing for older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
The findings from a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, followed 88 adults aged 65 to 75 years old in China who drank either regular skim milk or A1 protein free milk for three months.
While both groups showed improvements in cognitive function, those who drank the A1 protein-free milk showed slightly greater improvements than participants who drank regular skim milk.
The results are important as it’s been estimated that nearly one in five Australians over 65 may be living with MCI, a condition which causes a noticeable decline in memory and thinking skills more significant than normal ageing. In some cases, it can progress to dementia.
Milk provides:
1. Potassium
Potassium is a nutrient many seniors who skip dairy products lack in sufficient quantity. Too little potassium and too much sodium in the blood are risk factors for high blood pressure, also known as the “silent killer,” which is common among older adults. High blood pressure in seniors increases the risk of chronic kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke. Most seniors already consume too much salt in their diets, but boosting potassium intake can reduce this risk.
2. Glutathione
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a correlation between milk intake and levels of an antioxidant called glutathione in the brains of older adults. Study participants who drank milk a short while before being tested had higher levels of glutathione, which is believed to reduce oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions.
3. Calcium
One of the primary benefits of milk is the high level of calcium, an essential nutrient for building and maintaining bone strength in seniors. Calcium is extremely important for preventing osteoporosis, especially in senior women. A single cup of non-fat milk has almost 300 mg of calcium, which is almost half the recommended daily intake for seniors.
4. Vitamin D
Humans produce vitamin D in the skin through exposure to sunlight. While the sun is the source of most of the vitamin D in the body, the skin becomes less effective at producing this essential vitamin with age. Vitamin D is important for healthy bones because it helps the body absorb calcium. Milk is a good source of vitamin D for boosting calcium intake and reducing your loved one’s risk of osteoporosis and fractures. A serving of reduced-fat milk contains 2 IUs of vitamin D, one-fifth of the recommended daily intake.