In the past few years, plant-based beverages have started to gain traction as a replacement for dairy milk. An excellent choice for vegans, vegetarians and people who are lactose-intolerant but also for people who want to replace their dairy products with plant-based products. The process of making almond milk is quite simple, and you can either opt for a product you can find in the supermarkets, or you can make your own almond milk at home. Before switching to almond milk, please make sure you’re not allergic to tree nuts.
Most commercial almond milk brands use preservatives, flavourings and thickeners in order to improve texture or flavour. Always make sure you get a natural product, as much as you can, or you can always make your own almond milk at home.
How good is almond milk, really?
Low in calories and high in nutrients, a cup of almond milk contains 24% of your daily value of calcium, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin D, fibers and good fat. Being an excellent source of vitamin E, almond milk is a good source of antioxidants which help your body stay safe from the damage of free radicals.
Daily consumption of almond milk is very beneficial for your health. Being an excellent source of Vitamin E, almond milk can help you achieve a healthier skin and can protect you against heart disease.
Most people include way too much sugar in their daily diet. Choosing foods and beverages which are low in sugar can help you maintain your weight and even lose some weight. Many vegan milks are often flavoured and sweetened, so always make sure you go for an unsweetened product.
You should be aware of the fact that almond milk is very low in protein (1 gram per cup) while soy milk, for example, provides 7 grams of protein per cup. If you are not vegetarian, you can get your daily protein intake from fish, eggs or meat. If, on the other hand, you are vegetarian, there are excellent choices such as lentils, nuts, seeds or beans from which you can get your daily protein intake.
Always make sure you go for a more natural version of almond milk. Most versions of almond milk are full of sugar, gums, flavours, lecithin or salt. They are most often used for texture and consistency, and they are safe if used in considerate amounts. Many almond milks are full of sugar, and while you think you are making a healthier choice for your diet, you’re actually drinking a lot of sugar. Always read the labels and make sure you go for the safest option. If you are not sure of the quality of these products, then it’s always best if you make your own almond milk at home.
If you think making your own almond milk at home is an impossible task, you should actually know it’s very simple.
All you need are 2 cups (around 280 grams) of soaked almonds and 1 liter of water. Soak the almonds overnight, drain them, blend them along with the water until the almonds are finely ground and strain the mixture. You can keep it in your refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
To sum it up, yes, almond milk can be a great replacement for dairy milk, especially if you’re vegetarian or lactose intolerant. It’s also full of vitamins and nutrients so you can rest assured you are still getting your daily vitamins and nutrients from your plant-based drink.
