Healthier milk could up dairy intake

RESEARCHERS at Reading University have found a way to reduce the saturated fat in milk, while still retaining its goodness. By adding rapeseed oil, a good fat, to cows’ diets, they’ve lowered the proportion of saturated fat in their milk from 70% of total fat to 50%. It is hoped this will encourage people to consume more dairy products. Dr Tony Goldstone, of Imperial College London, studies the effect that food – particularly food high in fat, sugar and salt – has on our brains. His research shows that no matter how hard we try, there are some foods we just can’t resist, and people’s brains light up when they see, and eat, high-calorie foods. And dieting makes junk food cravings worse, he says.

“People get accused of just being weak-willed and I think that is very unfair because when we try and diet and lose weight there are changes in our bodies that signal to our brains, ‘Hang on a sec, you haven’t eaten’.”

He is developing a hormone that will stop intense cravings, making it easier to lose weight. It could have the same effect as a gastric bypass, without the need for surgery. His team is trialling the hormone, which could be available in the UK within five years.