In this world of substitutes, food products can be easily replaced for one another. We've heard about soy milk being used as an alternative to cow's milk, however, what about almond milk? Almond milk, like soy milk is not milk in the literal sense. It is a drink made from ground almonds and water.
Almonds soaked overnight in water are drained and blended with water, until a milk-like consistency is obtained. The skin and granules are removed by straining, through a cheese cloth. Blending a few dates along with the almonds gives it a sweet taste. Vanilla extract, unsweetened chocolate powder, etc. can be added for flavoring. Packaged almond milk is also available at supermarkets.
Almond milk is a great dairy-free substitute for milk, and can not only be had instead of milk, but can also be added to recipes that call for milk. Since it is dairy-free, it's a great vegan substitute as well. Those facing excessive gas problems on ingestion of soy milk can also consume almond milk, without facing any problems. Almond milk is also a great lactose-free alternative. Hence, almond milk is a great milk substitute.
Nutritional Value of Almond Milk (One Serving: 8 Ounce)
Nutrient Value
Protein 1 g
Carbohydrate 2 g
Fats (Lipids) 2.5-3 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Calories 30-40
Sodium 150 mg
Calcium 200 mg
Protein Content
Protein is required for the growth and repair of different parts of the body. However, almond milk contains far lesser protein content in one serving as compared to cow's milk or soy milk. Where one serving of cow's milk contains 8g of proteins and soy contains 7g, almond milk only contains 1g of the essential protein. So if you are completely off cow's milk and drinking almond milk on a regular basis, it is important to eat other protein-rich foods, so as to meet the adequate protein requirements of the body.
Carbohydrate Content
The carbohydrate content in almond milk is low in glycemic sugars, which means they do not raise the blood sugar levels suddenly. This makes it suitable for diabetics as well. Moreover, the low carbohydrate content in almond milk makes it a suitable beverage for weight conscious people.
Calorie Content
Although almond milk contains a considerable amount of fats, the calorie content of almond milk is lesser (half) than cow's milk or soy milk. Thus, people desiring to lose weight can happily lap up almond milk. Almond milk is a good option for athletes and weight conscious people.
Calcium Content
The calcium content in almond milk is lower than in cow's milk, but is higher in calcium content than soy milk. Nevertheless, packaged almond milk is calcium-fortified, so this need not be an issue. Just shake the pack before opening it, as calcium particles tend to settle down. Almond milk is the lactose-free way of attaining calcium from the diet.
Fat ContentAlmond milk is loaded with unsaturated fat (poly or monounsaturated fat), which means almond milk is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart diseases. The omega-fatty acids present in it help reduce the bad cholesterol in the blood. Moreover, almond milk does not contain cholesterol, trans fats or saturated fats. In each serving of almond there exists only 3g of fat. It also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Thus, people with high blood cholesterol and heart disease can consume almond milk without any inhibitions.
Sugar Content
Almond milk does not contain sugar naturally. Packaged almond milk available in stores have added sugar and flavorings which increase the sugar content. In the commercially available almond milk, per cup contains 20g of sugar. However, homemade almond milk contains no sugar and is safe for diabetics. To sweeten almond milk at home, you can add a few dates while grinding the almond.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Almond milk also furnishes the body with high levels of manganese, selenium and vitamin E. Manganese plays an important role in activating enzymes in the body. Manganese along with phosphorous also plays a role in keeping bones and teeth healthy. Vitamin E, an antioxidant protects the cell membranes by destroying the free radicals that cause damage to them.
Selenium on the other hand is good for the functioning of the immune system, for reproduction and for metabolism of the thyroid gland. The magnesium obtained from almond helps break down the food consumed into energy. It also assists the functioning of the parathyroid glands, which are responsible for production of hormones known for good bone health. The potassium present helps maintain normal blood pressure. However, almond milk lacks B vitamins.
Flavonoid and Antioxidant Content
Almond milk is also a good source of flavonoids. This is because, almond milk is prepared by crushing the almonds with the skin. The skin is rich in flavonoids, which is good for cardiovascular health, thereby providing protection against various heart diseases. Almond milk is also rich in antioxidants, thus, is beneficial in preventing heart diseases and cancers.
Should I stay away from commercially produced almond milk?
There's no doubt that almond milk is nutritious and healthy. However, commercially sold almond milk is something you should stay away from. Don't blindly believe the almond nutrition facts stated on the label. This is because, not only does packaged almond milk have less dietary fiber and higher calories, but also contains a lot of unwanted additives.
♦ Almonds are expensive, and if manufacturers have to make thick almond milk, they need to add more almond base, which will prove expensive. To cut down their costs, manufacturers add several unwanted ingredients like tapioca starch, locust bean gum, etc. to thicken the almond milk, so that they can get away by adding only a few almonds. They also add calcium carbonate as an anti-caking agent and various emulsifiers to the almond milk.
♦ Packaged almond milk is also fortified with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A Palmitate is the synthetic version of vitamin A, and is associated with several health problems like tumors, joint problems, etc. The other synthetic vitamin added is vitamin D12, which is also harmful to the body. The ingredient 'Carrageenan', derived from a seaweed is also known to cause irritable bowel syndrome.
Almonds soaked overnight in water are drained and blended with water, until a milk-like consistency is obtained. The skin and granules are removed by straining, through a cheese cloth. Blending a few dates along with the almonds gives it a sweet taste. Vanilla extract, unsweetened chocolate powder, etc. can be added for flavoring. Packaged almond milk is also available at supermarkets.
Almond milk is a great dairy-free substitute for milk, and can not only be had instead of milk, but can also be added to recipes that call for milk. Since it is dairy-free, it's a great vegan substitute as well. Those facing excessive gas problems on ingestion of soy milk can also consume almond milk, without facing any problems. Almond milk is also a great lactose-free alternative. Hence, almond milk is a great milk substitute.
Nutritional Value of Almond Milk (One Serving: 8 Ounce)
Nutrient Value
Protein 1 g
Carbohydrate 2 g
Fats (Lipids) 2.5-3 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Calories 30-40
Sodium 150 mg
Calcium 200 mg
Protein Content
Protein is required for the growth and repair of different parts of the body. However, almond milk contains far lesser protein content in one serving as compared to cow's milk or soy milk. Where one serving of cow's milk contains 8g of proteins and soy contains 7g, almond milk only contains 1g of the essential protein. So if you are completely off cow's milk and drinking almond milk on a regular basis, it is important to eat other protein-rich foods, so as to meet the adequate protein requirements of the body.
Carbohydrate Content
The carbohydrate content in almond milk is low in glycemic sugars, which means they do not raise the blood sugar levels suddenly. This makes it suitable for diabetics as well. Moreover, the low carbohydrate content in almond milk makes it a suitable beverage for weight conscious people.
Calorie Content
Although almond milk contains a considerable amount of fats, the calorie content of almond milk is lesser (half) than cow's milk or soy milk. Thus, people desiring to lose weight can happily lap up almond milk. Almond milk is a good option for athletes and weight conscious people.
Calcium Content
The calcium content in almond milk is lower than in cow's milk, but is higher in calcium content than soy milk. Nevertheless, packaged almond milk is calcium-fortified, so this need not be an issue. Just shake the pack before opening it, as calcium particles tend to settle down. Almond milk is the lactose-free way of attaining calcium from the diet.
Fat ContentAlmond milk is loaded with unsaturated fat (poly or monounsaturated fat), which means almond milk is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart diseases. The omega-fatty acids present in it help reduce the bad cholesterol in the blood. Moreover, almond milk does not contain cholesterol, trans fats or saturated fats. In each serving of almond there exists only 3g of fat. It also contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Thus, people with high blood cholesterol and heart disease can consume almond milk without any inhibitions.
Sugar Content
Almond milk does not contain sugar naturally. Packaged almond milk available in stores have added sugar and flavorings which increase the sugar content. In the commercially available almond milk, per cup contains 20g of sugar. However, homemade almond milk contains no sugar and is safe for diabetics. To sweeten almond milk at home, you can add a few dates while grinding the almond.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Almond milk also furnishes the body with high levels of manganese, selenium and vitamin E. Manganese plays an important role in activating enzymes in the body. Manganese along with phosphorous also plays a role in keeping bones and teeth healthy. Vitamin E, an antioxidant protects the cell membranes by destroying the free radicals that cause damage to them.
Selenium on the other hand is good for the functioning of the immune system, for reproduction and for metabolism of the thyroid gland. The magnesium obtained from almond helps break down the food consumed into energy. It also assists the functioning of the parathyroid glands, which are responsible for production of hormones known for good bone health. The potassium present helps maintain normal blood pressure. However, almond milk lacks B vitamins.
Flavonoid and Antioxidant Content
Almond milk is also a good source of flavonoids. This is because, almond milk is prepared by crushing the almonds with the skin. The skin is rich in flavonoids, which is good for cardiovascular health, thereby providing protection against various heart diseases. Almond milk is also rich in antioxidants, thus, is beneficial in preventing heart diseases and cancers.
Should I stay away from commercially produced almond milk?
There's no doubt that almond milk is nutritious and healthy. However, commercially sold almond milk is something you should stay away from. Don't blindly believe the almond nutrition facts stated on the label. This is because, not only does packaged almond milk have less dietary fiber and higher calories, but also contains a lot of unwanted additives.
♦ Almonds are expensive, and if manufacturers have to make thick almond milk, they need to add more almond base, which will prove expensive. To cut down their costs, manufacturers add several unwanted ingredients like tapioca starch, locust bean gum, etc. to thicken the almond milk, so that they can get away by adding only a few almonds. They also add calcium carbonate as an anti-caking agent and various emulsifiers to the almond milk.
♦ Packaged almond milk is also fortified with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A Palmitate is the synthetic version of vitamin A, and is associated with several health problems like tumors, joint problems, etc. The other synthetic vitamin added is vitamin D12, which is also harmful to the body. The ingredient 'Carrageenan', derived from a seaweed is also known to cause irritable bowel syndrome.