LONDON, Jan 6: If you’re someone who enjoys almond milk in your porridge or opts for oat milk flat whites, you may want to reconsider. New research suggests that plant-based dairy alternatives could negatively impact your mental health.

Scientists who tracked over 350,000 people in the UK found that those who drank plant-based milk were more likely to experience depression compared to those who consumed semi-skimmed cow's milk.

Researchers from China explained that semi-skimmed milk contains more healthy fats than skimmed milk, but fewer harmful fats than full-fat milk. Previous studies have shown that "good fats" can increase the production of serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate mood. This led the researchers to theorize that semi-skimmed milk might strike a balance that could benefit mental health.

The findings challenge the common belief that plant-based milk alternatives are always the healthier option. The research comes just months after other studies have linked plant-based drinks to blood glucose spikes, bloating, skin issues, and protein deficiencies.

In this new study, scientists at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, tracked the diets and mental health of participants over more than a decade. The results revealed that those who drank semi-skimmed cow's milk were 12% less likely to suffer from depression and 10% less likely to experience anxiety. On the other hand, those who consumed plant-based milks, like soy or almond, had a 14% higher chance of developing depression.

In a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, the researchers emphasized that milk is a rich source of essential nutrients such as lactose, lipids, protein, and minerals, all important for human health. They suggested that the fatty acid profile of semi-skimmed milk could provide more brain protection than either full-fat or skimmed milk, potentially lowering the risk of depression and anxiety.

While it is well known that too much saturated fat in a diet can raise the risk of high cholesterol, strokes, and heart disease, semi-skimmed milk has a lower level of saturated fat than full-fat milk, making it a healthier option for heart health.

In the UK, there has been a growing trend of people abandoning cow's milk in favor of plant-based alternatives. Interest in plant-based diets has surged in recent years, with many vegans citing ethical, environmental, or health reasons for making the switch. One recent survey suggested that around 600,000 people in the UK are now on a plant-based diet, and another study from 2021 found that nearly a third of Brits use alternative milks.

However, increasing research is indicating that plant-based milk alternatives might not be as beneficial as cow's milk. Last month, The Mail on Sunday reported that these trendy dairy substitutes could be contributing to a rise in cholesterol levels among young people.