Milk Consumption and the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: From the Quran and Hadiths Perspective

There are controversial findings about the relationship between milk intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this regard, the purpose of this review study was to determine the relationship between milk intake and CVD, as well as the effects of milk consumption on health based on Quranic verses, hadiths, and the data from available databases. No significant relationship was found between the consumption of high or low-fat milk and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the reported beneficial effects of high-fat milk on health were mentioned in Islamic books. Mechanistically, it is not completely clear how the intake of milk can increase the risk of CVD.  It has been suggested that the elevated levels of LDL cholesterol caused by high-fat milk consumption increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the negative health effects of the elevation in LDL cholesterol levels are compensated by the increased HDL caused by milk consumption. In addition, the role of other factors has been addressed. These studies emphasize the need for further research to investigate the relationship between milk intake and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.  Milk is considered a treatment for the disease not a cause, according to the Holy Quran and hadith. Since the results of many investigations are similar to those mentioned in religious books, it can be argued that Islamic sources can be used as a guide to find and understand the scientific facts of a subject.