Decades ago, we made whole milk the enemy. Some say it was a mistake.

It was the 1980s. Fitness icons like Richard Simmons, Jane Fonda and Arnold Schwarzenegger captivated audiences at home and in movie theaters. The U.S Department of Agriculture released the first set of dietary guidelines for the country. In the years to follow, food pyramids decorated countless classrooms, and America's war on saturated fats was upon us.

One food, according to some nutrition experts, became a standout casualty: whole milk.

Whole milk contains more saturated fat and calories compared to low-fat or skim milk. Saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and general guidance suggests you should limit your saturated fat intake in favor of unsaturated fat whenever possible.

However, recent research has shown that whole milk and other dairy products may not be associated with such negative health outcomes.

The findings have stirred debate in the scientific community. While some experts argue that it warrants a change in dietary guidelines, others contend the science isn’t conclusive.