Top 5 health benefits of almond milk
By
Is this nut-based plant milk really good for you? Which nutrients does it contain and how does it compare to cow's milk? Registered nutritionist Nicola Shubrook explains.
What is almond milk?
Almond milk is a liquid made from blended almonds. The almonds are soaked overnight in water to soften them before being blended and strained to make a ‘milk’ alternative. Salt and/or sweeteners, such as honey, may be added. Commercial almond milks tend to have a lower nut content and more water, additives such as emulsifiers may be used and the product may be fortified with vitamins and minerals.
.
Stay up to date with
The benefits of almond milk may include:
- Dairy-free and vegan
- Naturally lactose-free
- Low in calories
- May be a useful source of calcium
- May be a source of several vitamins
Nutritional benefits of almond milk
A 100ml serving of fortified almond milk typically contains:
- 13kcal/53KJ
- 4g protein
- 1g fat
- 1g carbohydrates
- 4 fibre
- 120mg calcium
- 4mcg vitamin B12
- 75mcg vitamin D
What are the top 5 health benefits of almond milk?
1. Dairy-free and vegan
.
2. Naturally lactose-free
is a condition whereby someone is unable to digest the sugar naturally found in animal milks, called lactose. Almonds are naturally lactose-free making almond milk a suitable alternative for someone with this condition.
3. Low in calories
, with levels varying from 30 to 55 kcal per 100ml. This makes it a useful option for those counting calories.
4. May be a useful source of calcium
. Homemade almond milk is not a good source of this mineral.
5. May be a source of vitamins
.
Is almond milk suitable for everyone?
Most people are able to enjoy almond milk, however, there are some considerations:
- Almond milk is not suitable for those with a tree nut allergy, and should be avoided if you have one.
- it should be given sparingly and not form a cornerstone of your child’s diet.
- Vegans and those following a predominantly plant-based diet should opt for fortified almond ‘milks’ to ensure they are achieving all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Overall, is almond milk good for you?
For anyone with a cow’s milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet, plant-based milks may form a useful part of the diet. Almonds are a particularly good source of vitamin E, helping to support healthy skin, eyes, and immune system. There is a difference between shop-bought and homemade almond milk: commercial varieties are often fortified with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12, which may be a useful source of these nutrients if you’re following a dairy-free diet.
Almond milk recipes
Almond milk
Chia & almond overnight oats
Vegan hot cross buns
Chai tea
This article was reviewed on 9 February 2021 by Kerry Torrens.
.
for more information.
Install our app today for ad-free recipes, meal plans, podcasts and more
Discover everyday cooking inspiration
Download our app
Follow this channel
Sign up to our newsletter
Visit our website
a
Post a Comment
0Comments