A lot of people these days are switching from regular milk to almond milk. In fact, it’s become somewhat of a health fad that seems to have taken over fitness-conscious people’s imagination a little too much. But is it really worth the hype? Let’s look through the magnifying glass.
How is Almond Milk different from regular milk?
Almond milk is a low-calorie category of milk that holds many skin, hair, and health benefits. Since its nutrition value is higher (it contains more protein and minerals), it is slightly costlier than regular milk.
Coming to its composition, almond milk is made by crushing almonds nicely, mixing them with appropriate proportions of water, and then filtering the mix to obtain a clear liquid that resembles milk in appearance but tastes more like almonds. Often, minerals like calcium, riboflavin, vitamin E, vitamin D, and artificial sweeteners are added to commercially sold almond milk to augment its natural nutritional value and taste.
Read – List of ingredients used in almond milk
The benefits that Almond milk offers
It’s low in calories
Generally speaking, almonds are quite high in calories, and because of this, people often assume that almond milk, too would have a high caloric content. But the truth is totally the opposite! As compared to cow’s milk, almond milk holds lesser calories, and this is actually why the consumption of regular dairy milk has dropped drastically in many countries.
Rich source of Vitamin E
Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, and almond milk becomes an even better source. Every cup of almond milk provides up to 20–50% of vitamin E content, but this percentage may vary according to the brand.
It’s lactose-free
Lactose intolerance is a condition where it becomes difficult for the body to digest the glucose present in milk. There are several people in the world who suffer from the condition, and hence, they can’t consume dairy milk on a regular basis. For all such people, almond milk makes for a great alternative since it’s naturally lactose-free.
Read – Symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Is there a flip-side to consuming Almond Milk?
Haven’t we all heard that there’s no such thing as a free ride? Yes, consuming almond milk too might prove harmful in some cases, but you can stay safe if you’re careful.
Commercially sold almond milk often contains additives like preservatives, gums, and even oils. It might come as a surprise to you, but some of the best and costliest brands out there too use additives to enhance the texture and taste of their products.
The only way to ensure you don’t end up drinking a messed-up concoction is to read the ingredients before buying the product.
To Conclude
On the whole, unaltered almond milk is a great source of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins. Apart from the obvious health benefits, it’s also great for people who are slightly more conscious about the look of their skin and hair.
The nutrients present in almond milk make your skin glow and your hair shiny. But before you rush to buy the next pack of almond milk off the shelf, we recommend you research and find brands that sell unadulterated, additive-free almond milk.
