Washington, June 27 (ANI): Drinking as little as one glass of lowfat or fat free milk daily could help reduce risk of heart diseases, according to a new study.

The study found that adults who had at least one serving of lowfat milk or milk products each day had 37 percent lower odds of poor kidney function linked to heart disease compared to those who drank little or no lowfat milk.

To determine heart disease risk, researchers from several universities in the United States and Norway measured the kidney function of more than 5,000 older adults ages 45 to 84.

They tracked eating patterns and tested albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) a measure that when too low, can indicate poor kidney function and an extremely high risk for cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Researchers found that people who reported consuming more lowfat milk and milk products had lower ACR, or healthier kidney function. In fact, lowfat milk and milk products was the only food group evaluated that on its own, was significantly linked to a reduced risk for kidney dysfunction.

The study authors cited other research suggesting milk protein, vitamin D, magnesium and calcium may contribute to milk’s potential heart health benefits.

An overall healthy diet, including lowfat milk and milk products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables was also associated with a benefit 20 percent lower ACR or healthier kidney function.

The study is published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (ANI)