Almond milk is the go-to milk for a lot of health enthusiasts. It’s their favorite part of breakfast. In fact, almond milk is currently America’s favorite plant-based milk. But it’s not just a fad.
Here’s why you should consider drinking or adding almond milk to your meals.
Benefits Of Almond Milk
1. It Strengthens The Bones
If you’re looking to boost your calcium level, turn to enriched almond milk. Regular almond milk isn’t a good source of calcium but when it’s enriched with the mineral, it can give you 40% of the daily requirement for calcium. This makes it a great option for vegans and for people who are lactose-intolerant. A diet rich in calcium can keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis in the future.
2. It Keeps Your Heart Healthy
The heart loves almond nuts. One study revealed almond nuts reduced the risk of heart diseases because it is packed with vitamin E and unsaturated fat.1 Another study proved that almonds reduced LDL cholesterol levels and raised HDL cholesterol levels.2 Almond milk contains no cholesterol and is high in omega 3 fatty acids that can help protect the heart, as well as stabilize blood pressure.
3. It’s Low In Calories
Almonds are high in calories. But the almond milk that you get from the store are extremely low in calories, even the ones that are sweetened or flavored. This is because the milk is mixed with water to make it low in fat. In fact, unsweetened almond milk is a much healthier option than skimmed milk because it contains lesser calories than the later.
4. It Improves Immunity
Enriched almond milk is highly nutritious. It is usually added with vitamins A and D, as well as iron and calcium. But the most attractive feature is its vitamin E content. A cup of almond milk meets 49% of the daily requirement for vitamin E. This can help protect the body from toxins, strengthen the heart, and decrease blood clotting. It’s also a good source of thiamin and riboflavin, which is necessary for energy production and cellular function.
5. It Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
Did you know a cup of almond milk has less than 1 gram of carbohydrates? Excess carbs can increase blood sugar levels. But almond milk’s extremely low carb level doesn’t raise blood sugar levels unlike cow’s milk. Even skimmed milk contains more carbs when compared to almond milk. This makes almond milk perfect for diabetics or for people who want to cut down on sugar. Just make sure to pick the unsweetened variety.
6. It’s A Great Substitute For Cow’s Milk
Almond milk makes the perfect substitute for cow’s milk if you are vegan or lactose-intolerant. Almond milk doesn’t bloat your stomach and keeps those digestive tracts loaded with nutrients. It’s completely dairy free and contains no animal products. Pick out the type that is enriched or fortified with vitamins.
Things You Should Also Know
Please note, almond milk isn’t recommended for people with tree nut allergies. There are different flavors of almond milk in the market, but the healthiest is just plain and unsweetened. You might want to read the labels carefully.
You could make it at home as well. Add skinless almonds in a blender with water. Mix it well and strain it using a cheese cloth. Store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy almond milk with desserts, breakfast smoothies, cereals, and tea.
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