Is Almond Milk Really Beneficial For You?
ALMOND MILK is a MILK SUBSTITUTE made by finely grinding almonds together with water. Almond milk is indisputably nutritious with little to no saturated fat, unlike cow’s milk, and no lactose, making it the right choice for Lactose intolerant people.
Almond milk can be prepared at home and is also available at supermarkets. It makes an excellent substitution for milk products in many recipes. However, recipes that require a high fat content milk or half-and-half may not produce the same results with almond milk.
Nutrition Facts
Almond milk like soy milk is not milk in the literal sense. It is a drink made from ground almonds and water. Almond milk nutrition facts as well as its health benefits make it a suitable replacement for cow’s milk.
Almonds are
- Protein rich,
- Full of vitamin E,
- Rich in minerals like magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, potassium, iron, phosphorus and calcium
- Good amount of fibre
- Full of heart healthy flavonoids
HEALTH BENEFITS
- -Almond milk helps lower LDL cholesterol and protect the heart.
- -High levels of vitamin E, ensure powerful antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants inhibit the growth of free radicals that are known to cause cancer.
- -Almond milk contains many vital nutrients, hence unlike other milk, they don’t need to be fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- -Low in calories and no cholesterol and saturated fats makes this nut milk beverage very healthy and good for those trying to lose weight.
- -Power packed with nutrients, almond milk health benefits will keep you stay fit and fine.
Recommendations
- Almond milk is being basically used instead of cow’s milk by people who are not too fond of cow’s milk, as it tastes better than cow’s milk.
- Children who fuss about drinking cow’s milk can be given almond milk. They prefer almond milk’s taste as compared to soy or rice milk.
- This non-dairy alternative is also used by those who show lactose intolerance symptoms. Since almond milk is extracted from almonds, it is lactose-free and can be easily consumed by lactose intolerant people.
Word of Caution
However, a word of caution on use of Almond Milk %u2013
- Almond milk cannot be substituted for breast milk. Although the health benefits of almonds are many, it does not have the necessary adequate nourishment required for infant growth.
- For lactose intolerant babies, it’s best to consult a doctor on what would be best for the child.
- Nuts like almonds also include goitrogens; this substance is known to suppress thyroid gland functioning by interfering with iodine uptake.
- The use of bitter almonds has also been cautioned against, as bitter almonds, when blended with water, release cyanide; a poisonous chemical.
Almond Milk Recipe
Ingredients
Raw almonds, 1? cups
Filtered water, 4 cups
Method
Soak almonds in water for minimum six to eight hours. Drain the water, and blend the almond with 4 cups of water, until it reaches a milk like consistency. Strain it to remove almond skin and granules. One can store almond milk in an air-tight jar in the refrigerator for four to five days. If you want it to be sweeter, then blend in a few soaked dates as well.
Almond milk, in any flavor, can also be added to coffee or tea, just like normal milk or cream. Use almond milk in smoothies.
My article in Hindi published in a leading Hindi News Daily
