Is Almond Milk Really Worth Drinking?

Dairy isn't for everyone. Millions of people are lactose intolerant, and others choose to avoid cow's milk for either health or moral reasons. When looking for a substitute, many of these people turn to almond milk. But is it the right choice for you? Before you start putting it in your morning coffee every day, you should look at the pros and cons. In this guide, we'll tell you what you need to know about almond milk. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

Almond Milk vs Cow's Milk

Almond Milk Cow's Milk
Lactose-free
High in Protein
Cholesterol-free
Good source of Vitamin D
Vegan

Almond Milk Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Low-calorie
  • Contains many vitamins and minerals
  • Subtle flavor makes it useful in many recipes

Cons:

  • Growing almonds may not be environmentally sustainable
  • Often includes unwanted additives and sweeteners
  • Dangerous for those with nut allergies

Other Non-Dairy Milks

  1. Soy Milk: high in protein & calcium
  2. Cashew Milk: sweet and subtle flavor
  3. Coconut Milk: flavorful and creamy
  4. Rice Milk: tastes like dairy milk
  5. Oat Milk: more calcium than cow's milk
  6. Hemp Milk: rich, nutty flavor
  7. Flax Milk: filled with heart-healthy omega 3

Make Your Own Almond Milk

Conclusion

If you're avoiding dairy milk for any reason, almond milk isn't a bad option. But you should know that it doesn't provide all of the nutrients contained in cow's milk, or even all of the vitamins found in whole, unprocessed almonds. However, if you don't have a nut allergy, and supplement your diet with other foods that contain protein and calcium, then go ahead and try drinking almond milk. Whether you throw some almonds in a blender yourself, or pick up a carton at the grocery store.

In Depth

As a plant-based milk, almond milk has gained popularity for its wide range of health benefits. Almonds are blended with water and the mixture is strained to get rid of the solids. Almond milk can also be produced if you mix almond butter with water at the proper ratios. The drink has a creamy texture and a mild, nutty taste.

However, compared to the consumption of whole almonds, taking in almond milk has a reduced nutritional value. The drink has already been incorporated with plenty of water while its fiber content and antioxidants have been reduced.

Commercial almond milk is available in most supermarkets. Most of these brands have enriched their milk drinks with nutrients, such as protein and calcium. Due to a wide range of options, it is ideal to choose the drink that does not contain additional sugars.

Most of these brands have enriched their milk drinks with nutrients, such as protein and calcium.

The amount of nutrients that almond milk contains will depend on the amount of almonds used in making it and the amount of water added. Adding vitamins and minerals will also play a crucial role in determining the nutritional value of the almond milk.

Similar to regular milk, almond milk can be used in just about any food preparation. While some people enjoy pouring it over their breakfast cereal, others add the drink to their tea or coffee. Almond milk can also be incorporated into favorite smoothies, mixed into ice cream, and used in soups, sauces, dressings, and baked products.

Drinking almond milk has been found to yield a number of positive consequences. Although the drink is not as nutritious as whole cow's milk, almond milk is often enriched with nutrients, such as vitamin D, protein, and calcium. These increase their nutritional content and make them more comparable to regular milk.

Drinking almond milk has been found to yield a number of positive consequences.

Almond milk has also been found to be naturally rich in other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E that is important for a strong immune system as well as for healthy eyes and skin.

However, almonds contain phytic acid, making it more difficult for the nutrients in almond milk to be absorbed by the body. Phytic acid has been found to reduce the absorption of iron, magnesium, and zinc. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , people do not absorb nutrients in plant-based milk products as efficiently as they do with regular milk and milk products. Because almond milk lacks many essential nutrients, it is not recommended as a milk replacement for infants.

Almond milk is naturally a low-calorie beverage. Consuming moderate amounts of the drink will not result to weight gain. Companies that make almond milk incorporate water during its productions so its fat content will be reduced, similar to that of skim milk.

Companies that make almond milk incorporate water during its productions so its fat content will be reduced, similar to that of skim milk.

However, many almond milk products in supermarkets contain added sugars. These should be avoided if you are trying to lose weight. Homemade almond milk may also contain more calories, depending on the amount of almonds used. Although branded almond milk may contain fewer calories compared to regular milk, this may not be applicable to all brands. It is best to check the nutrition labels before deciding on which almond milk to take.

Unsweetened almond milk may be recommended for people who are watching out for their blood sugar. Many almond milk brands on the market are packed with added sugar. However, unsweetened or sugar-free almond milk contains few calories, with almost 1 per cent of carbs per cup.

People who are conscious of their health, including diabetics, should go through the list of ingredients and choose almond milk products that are as unaltered and pure as possible, with no added sugars or other artificial components. Unsweetened almond milk with low fat content can be a perfect option for people who need to check on their carbs and blood sugar levels.

People who are conscious of their health, including diabetics, should go through the list of ingredients and choose almond milk products that are as unaltered and pure as possible, with no added sugars or other artificial components.

In addition, almond milk does not contain cow's milk or any other animal-based components. This makes the drink an ideal option for vegans as well as people who are allergic to regular milk. People who are lactose intolerant are unable to digest milk sugars, or lactose. When undigested, lactose is fermented by bacteria in the colon that causes diarrhea, bloating, and excessive gas.

Because almond milk is dairy free and does not contain any lactose, this drink is a recommended milk replacement for people who have lactose intolerance or are allergic to milk.

A word of caution, though, for people who are regularly consuming almond milk: almonds contain substances that have a negative effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland. Almonds can adversely affect the flow of iodine that is needed by the thyroid for its proper functioning. The thyroid gland contributes to many functions, including the growth and metabolism of the body.

The thyroid gland contributes to many functions, including the growth and metabolism of the body.

Moreover, for people who are likely to develop kidney stones, almond milk should not be taken excessively. Almonds are a high-oxalate food that contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Almond milk has also been found to have carrageenan. This component reportedly causes conditions such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, peptic ulcers, and intestinal problems. However, there is only little evidence supporting such claims about almond milk and the adverse conditions it could bring.