Best milk to drink for your gut and reduce risk of heart disease

The variety of milk available in supermarkets is wider than ever. Meaning the task of choosing the healthiest option is somewhat complex.

Traditional cow's milk is nutrient-rich, providing plenty of protein, calcium, potassium, and various vitamins. It comes in whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free versions, often fortified with vitamin D by manufacturers.

However, cow's milk can be hard to digest for those with lactose intolerance or anyone recovering from a stomach bug. Whole milk and 2% milk are high in saturated fat too - which can cause cholesterol problems.

Also, those following a vegan lifestyle will need to select an alternative that aligns with their nutritional needs. The reality is that there isn't a single type of milk that can be labelled as the healthiest.

Instead, the best choice will depend on your metabolic rate, dietary requirements, and existing diet. Health experts at ZOE examined the nutritional content of the most popular types of milk.

From traditional cow milk to the range of alternatives, the experts explained what they each contribute to our health. Some of these milks can enhance your gut health and cardiovascular health so it might be worth considering a change.

Goat's milk is often easier to digest than cow's milk, boasting a higher nutritional density and a rich source of vitamin A. However, its strong flavour may not be to everyone's taste.

According to a comprehensive research review, soy milk is the plant-based milk that most closely matches cow's milk in terms of nutritional content. Like cow's milk, it's rich in protein but has less fat and potassium.

Oat milk contains more fibre than most other plant-based milks. However, due to the way it's processed, very few of the beneficial