Got Milk? The Health Benefits of Almond Milk

We’ve all heard the saying “milk does a body good” but would you believe me if I told you that almond milk could even better than the diary kind? If you haven’t enjoyed a refreshing glass, you’re really missing out. The basic blend is made from finely ground almonds mixed with water. It’s not hard to find, most super markets carry a healthy variety. Before you turn up your nose at the thought, read on and see if you don’t see a few good reasons to give it a try.

Almond Milk Vs Cow’s Milk

Now for the face off. The field vs the utter – which one is better? Don’t think that almond milk is just for vegans or those with lactose intolerances, there are plenty of people who just enjoy its taste. Almond milk is available in a variety of flavors including sweetened and unsweetened, vanilla, chocolate…even creamer for your coffee. Besides being delicious, almond milk is lower in fat and calories than cow’s milk. A one-cup serving of vanilla sweetened almond milk has 2.5 grams of fat and 90 calories. That’s half the fat and 30 calories less than one cup of cow’s milk. Minus the flavor and the sweetener, a cup of plain almond milk is only 30 calories. It’s also a great substitute for a heart-conscious diet. Void of the cholesterol and saturated fat of animal products, almond milk is a subtle way to restore your health.  Additionally, many brands also supplement the nutrition of almond milk with substantial amounts of vitamins A and D. With 3 micrograms of B-12, one cup is 100% of the average person’s daily requirements which makes it great for vegans and vegetarians with B-12 needs. The other major benefit is for those who are lactose intolerant.  Almond milk is a great substitute when your body is not friends with dairy.

Added Benefits

As if it could get any better, almond milk is also rich in plenty of other vitamins and minerals not found in cow’s milk. Calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, and selenium are all included. Almond milk is also rich in fiber and protein. The opposition will defend by saying that cow’s milk is particularly rich in protein; however, many almond milk manufacturers have created blends with a good amount of protein without the added fat and cholesterol. Swapping almond milk for three servings of cow’s milk poses a laundry list of benefits.

But What Can I Do With It?

By the first taste, its rich nutty flavor is a pleasant surprise. Flavored and sweetened varieties are a nutritious hit, even with children. Almond milk awards you the versatility to use it as a substitute in your favorite recipes. You haven’t made pancakes until you’ve done so with a few cups of vanilla almond milk. It can also be used in baking recipes. Cakes, cookies, even macaroni all taste amazing with almond milk. If you’ve been researching the benefits of almond milk and considering a switch, it’s safe to say you may be faced with a little resistance from your family. Plain and simple, people aren’t very receptive to change. If you get them to taste it, they’ll be pleasantly surprised, but there may be a chance that they won’t be willing to give it a try. Make a special meal or a special recipe for Sunday dinner or a family event. Let them watch you use almond milk in their favorite dishes. Once they see that the results taste just as wonderful, they’ll be on board. Introducing new dishes is another great way to convince your family to try almond milk. Cut up a few ripe bananas and place them in the freezer overnight. The next day, take them out and drop them in the blender with a little ice and vanilla almond milk. After a quick puree, you and your family can indulge in a few bowls of delectable homemade banana ice cream. This basic formula can serve as the foundation for almost anything. Add some strawberries or blueberries and top it with crushed nuts – viola… banana ice cream sundae. Speaking of recipes, making your own almond milk can save you and your family tons of money. Very few people have the ability to keep their own cows in the backyard but with a bit of patience, some almonds, and water, you can have a glass of fresh milk whenever you want. Here’s a good recipe for flavored almond milk. Feel free to play around with it and add or subtract ingredients to meet your tastes. If you’re looking to have beautiful skin, strong bones, a healthy heart…not to mention a shrinking waistline…grab a carton of almond milk the next time you’re in the dairy aisle.