Health Benefits of Almond Milk

Almond milk is lactose-free. Those who are lactose intolerant can use almond milk as a substitute. Almond milk is low in calories, which makes it an even better alternative to dairy. Those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a certain body weight will definitely find almond milk more conducive towards their goals.

There are two ways you can make almond milk. Blending almonds in water followed by meticulous straining to get rid of the solids is one process and it is more common. You may also make almond milk by mixing almond butter and water. Almond milk is vegan. It has a creamy texture and nutty flavour. There are dozens of ways to use almond milk so there is no dearth of recipes or ways to consume it. Here are some of the health benefits of almond milk.

Almond milk is rich in nutrients. In all fairness, cow milk is more nutritious but you can add other ingredients to almond milk to obtain the required nutrients. These days you can buy almond milk with added protein, calcium and vitamin D. In its natural form, almond milk contains many minerals and vitamins, including vitamin E. One cup of almond milk, the variant you can purchase at your neighbourhood store, has 39 calories, 1.55 grams of protein, 2.88 grams of carbohydrate, 49% of the recommended daily intake or RDI of vitamin E, 11% of RDI of thiamin, 7% of RDI of riboflavin and 5% of RDI of magnesium.

A cup of skim milk has around 78 calories. A cup of almond milk has 39 calories. This may come as a surprise to those who know that almonds have 50% fat. This fat does not percolate to the commercial almond milk, which is why it has so fewer calories. The calorie content is the primary reason why almond milk is classified as a healthy drink. It should be noted that there will be a spike in calories when you add sugar and other calorie-rich ingredients into a smoothie, dessert or any other food.

Almond milk has significant effects on our health. It does not cause a spike in blood sugar. Hence, it is suitable for diabetics. Almond milk is a healthy option for vegans and those who cannot drink dairy due to lactose intolerance. There are some versions of almond milk that are enriched with other minerals and vitamins to make the drink healthier. For instance, almond milk enriched with calcium is good for bones.

Almond milk has been found in studies to reduce the risk of common heart diseases. This is primarily due to the healthy fats in the milk and the content of vitamin E. Almond extracts contain oleic acid, which can cause positive changes in lipids in the blood. Vitamin E in almond milk prevents lipids from oxidation and hence reduces LDL cholesterol. Almond milk can be enriched to contain significant levels of vitamin D. Such an enriched variant is beneficial for those who have vitamin D deficiency.