Researchers found a link between milk consumption and higher levels of anti-oxidant which might minimise damage to brain cells . Drinking three glasses of milk a day could help stave off diseases such as Alzheimer ’ s and Parkinson ’ s , say researchers . A new US study shows a link between milk consumption and higher levels of a naturally-occurring antioxidant called glutathione in the brain in older , healthy adults . The powerful antioxidant may minimise damage to brain cells from free radicals , destructive groups of atoms made as a by-product of metabolism that can damage cells . Antioxidants help to neutralise this type of oxidative stress in the body . The study was carried out at the University of Kansas Medical Center by associate professor of neurology In-Young Choi and Debra Sullivan , professor and chair of dietetics and nutrition . Dr Sullivan said ‘ We have long thought of milk as being very important for your bones and very important for your muscles . ‘ This study suggests that it could be important for your brain as well. ’ Altogether 60 adults enrolled in the study were asked about their diets in the days leading up to brain scans to monitor levels of glutathione in the brain . The researchers found those who said they had drunk milk recently had more glutathione in their brains . Those who drank around three glasses a day had highest levels , says a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ( must credit ) . Oxidative stress is known to be associated with a number of different diseases and conditions , including Alzheimer ’ s disease , Parkinson ’ s disease and many other conditions , say the researchers . Dr Choi said ‘ Antioxidants are a built-in defence system for our body to fight against this damage , and the levels of antioxidants in our brain can be regulated by various factors such as diseases and lifestyle choices. ’ Dr Sullivan said ‘ You can basically think of this damage like the build up of rust on your car . ‘ If left alone for a long time , the build up increases and it can cause damaging effects . ‘ If we can find a way to fight this by instituting lifestyle changes including diet and exercise , it could have major implications for brain health. ’ For the study , researchers used high-tech brain scanning equipment housed at KU Medical Center ’ s Hoglund Brain Imaging Center . Study found people who drank three glasses of milk a day had the highest level of anti-oxident glutathione . Dr Choi said ‘ Our equipment enables us to understand complex processes occurring that are related to health and disease . ‘ The advanced magnetic resonance technology allowed us to be in a unique position to get the best pictures of what was going on in the brain. ’ An editorial in the journal said the study presented ‘ a provocative new benefit of the consumption of milk in older individuals ’ . There have been mixed findings in studies on the health benefits of milk . A study from Oxford University suggested milk drinking might mitigate neurological damage leading to diseases such as Alzheimer ’ s due to its vitamin B12 content . A randomised , controlled trial that seeks to determine the precise effect of milk consumption on the brain is still needed and is a logical next step , the researchers said .
New study shows a link between milk and antioxidant called glutathione . Naturally occurring antioxidant may minimise damage to brain cells . Researchers found people who drank more milk had higher levels . People who drank around three glasses a day had the highest amount . Previous Oxford University study also found milk might mitigate damage .