Long touted as an essential staple in a healthy diet, milk has recently been the subject of much scepticism. Scientists at the Universities of Reading and Southampton are conducting research into whether conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fat present in bovine milk, can boost the human immune system by fighting off bacterial infection.
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Further evidence indicates that CLA may even be able to help slow the growth of tumours. As the BBC commented, if the health benefits of CLA are proven it could lead to the development of a wide range of new functional foods.
However, trials are still in the very early stages. Project leader Dr Philip Calder of the University of Southampton commented: “We want to find out what happens to the immune system if we give people an increased amount of CLA in their diet.”
The project will also see scientists collaborating with the dairy industry to modify feeding practices to produce cow’s milk with the optimum content of CLA.
Just as significantly, research suggests that CLA can lower the level of fat stored in the body, which could be a key tool in the fight against obesity and heart disease.
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By GlobalDatajust-food.com recently published a feature outlining the PETA campaign advocating non-consumption of milk. To read it click here.
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