Almond Milk: Are You Convinced Yet?

Reported by foodem.com, the online wholesale food marketplace-

Almond milk continues to be all the rage among those looking for alternatives to cow’s milk. 30 to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant, while another 15 million suffer from food allergies. Both subsets are continuously rising, forcing Americans to revisit their dietary habits.

For those 30 to 50 million, soy and nut milks seem to be the answer – almond milk for me, at least for the past year. Unlike animal milk, almond milk is lactose-free (cholesterol-free and has no saturated fats as well). This means symptoms associated with lactose intolerance such as bloating, gas, abdominal cramps hives and nausea are non-existent. That’s not the best part…almond milk has loads of benefits and not just nutritional.

First of all, if you’re like me, you dislike and have always disliked the taste of cow’s milk. Almond milk tastes nothing like cow’s milk (obviously). It has a very light, nutty flavor that easily lends itself as a substitute in coffee, tea, smoothies, cereals (hot and cold) and other recipes that call for milk. Another advantage almond milk has over animal milk is the issue of immediate refrigeration. While delicious when chilled, almond milk does not have to be refrigerated right away. In fact, it’s found on dry food shelves in the grocery store. How’s that for one under the “plus” column. Of course, after opening it’s suggested that you refrigerate it and use it within 10 days of opening it.

Many brands of almond milk are nutrient-fortified and loaded with several important vitamins and minerals. In general, one cup (8oz.) meets 25% of the Recommended Daily Value (DV) of vitamin D, 50% for vitamin E and 10% of vitamin A. These vitamins combined enhance immunity, protect the body’s cells and tissues from damage, support normal growth and development, and help build and maintain strong bones and teeth. What about calcium, you ask? One cup (8oz.) offers about 300mg (30% of the DV) of calcium, which is comparable to the same amount, per cup, of cow’s milk. We all know calcium plays an important role in bones and teeth, but it’s also important for muscle contractions and helps in the regulation of blood pressure. Lastly, almond milk is low in calories per a one cup serving (70 calories to be exact). So for those who are dieting, this may be a great addition to your daily food and beverage intake.

If that is not enough to convince you to give this non-dairy substitute a try, I suggest buying an 8oz. carton and taking a swig or two.

***Note: Those with nut allergies should obviously consult a doctor before trying almond milk or any other nut milk***

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