PropertiesAlmond MilkFor Body Health
Almond milk is a type of plant-based milk that anyone can easily make.AlmondsSoak the almonds in water and blend them with additional water. Strain the mixture using acheeseclothor something similar to maintain a milk-like consistency. This milk contains zero cholesterol and lactose, making it suitable for thosewho are lactose intolerantand can consume it without issues. The value of almonds lies in how difficult it is to grow them. On average, an ordinary almond consumes 1.1 gallons of water to grow fully. Therefore, almond milk isn’t as mainstream as regular milk. Most available varieties of almond milk are enriched with numerous vitamins. Fortifying it with healthy nutrients is almost always part of its production. Nonetheless, almond milk forms two-thirds of the plant-based milk market. However, many consumers still wonder what the actual health benefits are.
Nutritional Content of Almond Milk
With only 39 calories per cup (240 milliliters), almond milk is very low in calories compared to cow’s milk and other plant-based drinks. It also contains various nutrients.
One cup (240 milliliters) of almond milk contains:
- Calories: 39
- Fat: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 3.5 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Calcium: 24% of daily needs
- Potassium: 4% of daily needs
- Vitamin D: 18% of daily needs
- Vitamin E: 110% of daily needs
The Nature of Almond Milk
Almond milk has a warm and moist nature.
Helps Manage Weight
One cup of almond milk contains only 60 calories, compared to 146 calories in whole milk, 122 in 2% milk, 102 in 1% milk, and 86 in skim milk. This makes it a great alternative to help you lose or maintain your current weight.
Keeping the Heart Healthy
Almond milk contains no cholesterol or saturated fat. It is also low in sodium and rich in healthy fats (like omega fatty acids typically found in fish), which help preventhigh blood pressureand heart diseases.
Strengthening Bones
While it doesn’t contain as much calcium as cow’s milk, almond milk provides about 30% of the recommended daily amount of calcium and 25% of the recommended vitamin D, reducing the risk of arthritis andosteoporosisand boosting the immune system. Moreover, these twonutrientswork together to maintain healthy bones and aid in dental formation.
Keeping Skin Radiant
Almond milk is rich in vitamin E, providing 50% of the daily required intake, possessing antioxidant properties that benefit skin health, such as protection against sun damage without significantly impacting your blood sugar levels. Almond milk (without additives) has low carbohydrates, meaning it won’t significantly raiseblood sugar levelsand helps reduce the risk ofdiabetesDue to its low glycemic index, almond milk allows your body to use carbohydrates as energy, preventing sugars from being stored as fat (a win!).
Muscle Strengthening
Though almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein per serving, it is rich in B vitamins such as iron and riboflavin, essential for muscle growth and recovery.
Regulating Digestion
Almond milk contains nearly 1 gram of fiber per serving, important for healthy digestion.
It’s lactose-free.
Lactose intolerance affects about 25% of the U.S. population, meaning they struggle to digest the sugar in cow’s milk. This makes almond milk a suitable lactose-free substitute.
Tastes Better Than Cow’s Milk
As noted by the health section ofSelMagzalmond milk has a different taste compared to cow’s milk, making it excellent for those who dislike the taste of cow’s milk. This milk has its unique aroma and flavor, which many describe as light and pleasant. This means you can use it in your cooking instead of cow’s milk. You won’t have the exact same flavor, but it will have the same consistency.
No Need for Cold Storage.
Knowing you don’t have to refrigerate almond milk means you can likely take it with you to work or on a trip. It is perfectly suitable for room temperature storage, making it a convenient option that significantly increases your daily intake of all its nutrients.
Antioxidants
Whenever we breathe in oxygen, our bloodstream obtains free radicals. They are the opposite of antioxidants in our body and contribute topremature agingand can cause total cell breakdown. This means a person with high free radicals and very few antioxidants faces a risk of cancer. Almond milk is an excellent source of antioxidants. Similarly, it can quickly rebalance the body’s radical levels. Those with an excess of antioxidants in their system notice a difference in less than a week.
PreventingMigraines
Whenever we feel mentally stressed or physically fatigued, our body may imbalance.Stressis one of the most common conditions today, and headaches are its most frequent symptom.Headachescan arise from any internal or external source, whether illness or loud music. This minor deficiency surrounds us and can sometimes be very disruptive. Almond milk helps enhance healthy bodily functions with riboflavin. Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is used as a nutritional supplement
Improving Vision
Every part of the human body benefits from specific vitamins, and this also applies to the eyes. The human eye is one of the body’s sensitive areas. Similarly, it can be easily harmed. Bright lights, any shining screen,sunlightand dust can lead to various eye irregularities.We use vitamin A to enhance eye focus and health. Almond milk contains good amounts of this vitamin, sometimes associated with vision strength.Compatible with Low Temperatures
Unlike cow’s milk, almond milk doesn’t require cold temperatures to maintain its quality. This nutrient maintains itself at various temperatures, meaning children can always rely on it. People who
have coldsandinfluenzashould avoid cold drinks. Cow’s milk needs to be warmed after being taken out of the refrigerator for a while. However, almond milk can be stored and consumed anytime and anywhere. The remarkable fact is that, unlike cow’s milk, almond milk is far less prone to bacterial growth. When milk isn’t kept at an optimal temperature for a while, bacteria spoil it. However, almond milk contains acids and other chemicals that naturally eliminate these bacteria.Combating Cancer
Initial research indicates that replacing cow’s milk with almond milk can
suppress prostate cancerand prevent several other forms of cancer. There are also various conflicting opinions around this topic. Some studies have mentioned that carageenan, a substance found in almond milk packs, may lead to cancer and bowel damage. However, there is no cause for concern, as there are two types of carageenan – degraded and undegraded. Degraded carageenan may cause cancer and has been tested in the same studies. However, tetra packs of almond milk contain undegraded carageenan, which in the normal amounts we consume is completely safe.Boosting Immune System
Fortified almond milk rich in vitamins A, D, and E can enhance your immunity. Some types of almond milk are also high in added iron and B vitamins, strengthening the immune system.
Promoting Restful Sleep
The calcium in almond milk helps the brain produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. Warm almond milk works even better; it helps you relax and can ease you into a restful sleep.
Helping Treat Acne
The unsaturated fatty acids in almond milk can reduce people’s exposure to
acneAlmond milk contains flavonoids such as catechins, epicatechins, and kaempferol, all of which prevent the oxidation of skin cells. The vitamin E found in almond milk plays a major role in skin health, keeping it radiant and even protecting it from harmful UV rays. Daily consumption of almond milk can assist in this regard. You can also wash your face with almond milk.Strengthening Hair Health
The fatty acids in almond milk can make your hair soft and smooth. The vitamin E in the milk acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat free radical damage and support
hair lossIn addition to consuming almond milk daily, you can wash your hair with it two to three times a week.Riboflavin
Some riboflavin from almonds converts into almond milk. Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, helps produce red blood cells and release energy from the carbohydrates you consume.
Benefits of Almond Milk
For Infants and ChildrenAlmond milk contains abundant nutrients that promote brain growth in infants and children and reduces the risk of
Alzheimer’sin adulthood. Almond milk has a low glycemic index, helping control blood sugar levels in infants and children, preventing them from developing diabetes later in life. You can introduce almond milk into your baby’s diet from 6 months after consulting a doctor.Benefits of Almond Milk for
Fetusesand Pregnant WomenAlmond milk is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it beneficial for fetal growth and strengthening the bodies of pregnant women. Additionally, almond milk is high in calcium, which helps
strengthen the bonesof pregnant women and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. The calcium in almond milk helps lowerhigh blood pressureduringpregnancyand reduces the risk of preeclampsia. The vitamin E present in almond milk is helpful in treating acne and skin blemishesduring pregnancyis beneficial.Benefits of Almond Milk While Breastfeeding
Almond milk is rich in essential nutrients, and its consumption during breastfeeding prevents mothers from experiencing weakness and hunger.
How to Make Homemade Almond Milk
To prepare homemade almond milk:
Soak 200 grams of almond kernels in a bowl of water for 8 to 12 hours. Then, remove the brown skin from the almonds and blend the kernels with 4 cups of water. After a few minutes, mix the water and almond kernels. Then strain the resulting mixture. You can dry and grind the leftover almond pulp and use it as almond flour. Store the almond milk in a clean glass container with a lid in the refrigerator.
Benefits of Almond MilkNutritional Value of Almond MilkAdvantages of Almond Milk
