SUNDAY, June 29, (News Locale) - Milk is a wholesome food by itself. Toned or low fat milk does not contain high fat content and is considered very nutritious. A team of international researchers has found that drinking low fat or toned milk everyday may reduce the risk of heart disease. 

The new study by researchers from United States and Norway involved more than 5,000 older adults ages 45 to 84. The kidney function of all adults as well as their eating habits were measured by the researchers. They tested albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), which if too low indicates poor kidney function and consequently a high risk for heart disease.

Reporting in the latest edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers found people who drank more low-fat milk and consumed milk products had better kidney function as indicated by low ACR ratio. Participants who drank at least one glass of low fat milk each day had 37 percent less risk of compromised kidney function.

The study also indicated that people whose diet included low-fat milk and milk products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables had 20 percent lower ACR and even better ACR as compared to their counterparts who did not include the above items in their diet.

Low fat milk contains many essential nutrients like milk protein, vitamin D, magnesium and calcium that may protect the heart by protecting kidneys. Low fat milk also contains other nutrients like potassium and vitamin A which augments the function of the kidneys.