The Rundown on Almond Milk



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In recent years, milk alternatives have been taking over the dairy industry. Soymilk was one of the first to really take off, but lately, almond milk has gained even greater ground even though it has been used for hundreds of years as an alternative to dairy milk, typically because of its long shelf life. While these are all great pros for almond milk, there are many other reasons why you need to incorporate almond milk into your diet.

Health Benefits

Vitamin E is a valuable antioxidant and almond milk is packed with vitamin E. Vitamin E is responsible for helping slow down the aging process, osteoporosis, type II diabetes, and helps to prevent cancer by reducing the amount of free radicals that are taken in by the body.

While milk contains saturated fat and cholesterol, almond milk does not, benefiting the cardiovascular system. One of the things that almond milk brings to the table is Omega-3 fatty acids. These “good” fats are able to lower LDL cholesterol levels while also improving your brain function.

When you compare almond milk to other dairy substitutes like rice milk or soy milk, you will find that almond milk is the highest when it comes to levels of minerals and vitamins. Many times, dairy milk and substitute milks are fortified with nutrients, but almond milk has these nutrients naturally, making them more beneficial for your body.

Dietary Benefits

Almond milk is incredibly low in fat and calories with only 40 calories and three grams of fat (on average) per serving. There are also no animal byproducts in almond milk as it is made from only almonds and water, making almond milk a fantastic choice for those that observe a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Some varieties of almond milk may contain additives like vanilla or sugar for flavor so watch the labels for these ingredients to get the lowest possible calorie level.

What to Watch For

As with any food, there are some things that you should watch out for. The first of these is for nut allergies. Since almond milk comes from almonds, it is not safe for those individuals that suffer from nut or tree allergies. Though people that are sensitive to lactose, casein, or gluten are perfect candidates for almond milk.

Almond milk should be incorporated into a healthy diet to provide valuable nutrients and provide a substitute for dairy products.  ENJOY!