We all know that milk is full of proteins and nutrients. It is the first food that a baby takes, and it helps in their growth and development. The calcium present in milk promotes bone growth and milk is considered important for health sustainability. However, milk also contains unsaturated fats which are detrimental for health. Regular intake of milk allows accumulation of fats in your body. If you are planning on weight loss, replacing cow milk with other varieties of milk is recommended.
Benefits of almond milk nutrition are as follows:
- Less sugar and calories. Compared to cow milk, almond milk has comparatively less sugar and calories making it healthier for your body and growth.
- The presence of Vitamin E in almond milk helps in rejuvenating the skin. A daily intake not only keeps the skin supple but also enriches skin growth. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E fights inflammation in the body and helps protect against cancer and other heart diseases.
- With a steady intake of potassium present in the milk, you can keep your blood pressure at a normal rate.
Keep in mind though that many processed almond milks contain additives such as gums, sugar, and other emulsifiers. The emulsifiers are added to maintain texture and consistency and considered safe; however, it should not be consumed in high amounts. Please go through the packaging label if you are buying processed milk. To completely avoid these additives, go for the unflavoured version. If you are following a specific or restricted diet, choose the one which is fortified with Vitamin D and high in calcium.
For people suffering from lactose intolerance, it is the best alternative. Lactose intolerance can cause different painful symptoms and hence dairy products are a complete no-no. When choosing a dairy milk alternative for a child, choose almond milk that is fortified with calcium. This helps in bone growth and healthy development of a growing child.
All these and more. The nutty, crispy flavour of the milk is a welcome alternative for various food recipes. It can also replace traditional milk in your cup of coffee or milk for that extra delight. If you’re on a health-conscious plan and plan to reduce your sugar intake, unsweetened almond milk is your best friend.
For an adult, if you are wondering whether it is a viable alternative for milk in your diet, fear not. You can use almond milk for almost anything. Some of these include:
- Cereals
- Coffee/Tea
- Baking & Cooking
- Soups and sauces
- Yogurts & Ice creams
If you are not bothered about calcium intake and take calcium through other sources, you can make your own almond milk. Just soak almond overnight and drain the water before use. Add the almonds to a blender along with fresh water and any additives such as vanilla or cocoa powder. Pulse for 2-3 minutes until the almonds are finely ground. Transfer the contents into a nut milk bag and squeeze out all the liquid into a bowl. Voila, your homemade almond milk is ready.