AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question Michael Pollan in his new book, In Defense of Food, says that powdered milk has
high levels of "oxygenated" cholesterol (not sure if that's the correct term, but
it's close). The implication is that dry milk would not be good for someone
trying to reduce blood cholesterol. I had never heard of this before, and
wondered what you might know about this claim. Thanks.
Answer Hi Elizabeth,
Yes, powdered milk and eggs do contain oxidized cholesterol. It is theorized that oxidized cholesterol contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
And that's just it....it is a theory --not a proven fact.
Laboratory animal studies have shown there could be a link between oxidized cholesterol and plaque buildup in the arteries, but no one knows what effects they have in people. The body produces oxidized cholesterol, and there is even some research that shows some beneficial properties of oxidized cholesterol. So you see, the jury is still out on this subject.
FYI -- powdered milk actually has very low levels of oxidized cholesterol.
Research will continue on this controversial topic. Meanwhile, there is no reason to avoid powdered milk if you like it. It is a good source of protein and calcium and hardly any fat or cholesterol -- oxidized or unoxidized.
