Whole milk unfairly vilified in health debate, new research says

(NewsNation) — A decade after higher-fat milk was removed from school meals to slow obesity in children, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to bring it back to school cafeterias — and recent research suggests it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

While many people skip whole milk to avoid its high saturated fat content, new research suggests that it’s unlikely to adversely affect the heart when consumed in moderation. This, however, applies to the saturated fat found in dairy, not other forms of saturated fat, including bacon, steak and deep-fried foods.

Kennedy has called the federal dietary guidelines requiring low-fat milk “antiquated” and, in April, encouraged “full fat/whole milk” to be used in Head Start programs for the nation’s youngest children.