10 benefits of almond milk you never knew
Almond milk is a nutritious, low calorie beverage and a suitable dairy-free alternative for those who follow a vegan diet, are lactose intolerant or are allergic to dairy.
Whether you’re swapping your regular coffee for an almond latte or adding it to your morning smoothie, there are plenty of almond milk benefits that come from incorporating this milk alternative into your diet, from supporting bone health to lowering your daily sugar intake.
Find out more about what almond milk is, how to make it, and its various health benefits.
What is almond milk?
Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative to regular milk, and is rich in several essential nutrients. Almond milk may be unsweetened, sweetened or flavoured.
Almond milk usually has a creamy, nutty flavour. It is a popular alternative for people who follow a vegan diet, are lactose intolerant or are allergic to dairy.
Almond milk can be found in most supermarkets and cafes, or can easily be made at home. It is made by blending almonds with water and then straining the solids from the mixture.
Almond milk nutrition
One cup (250ml) of almond milk usually provides:
Calories: 39
Protein: 1 gram
Carbs: 3.5 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Fibre: 0.5 grams
Calcium: 37% DV
Potassium: 4% DV
Vitamin D: 13% DV
Vitamin E: Over 100% DV
10 almond milk benefits
Almond milk is low in protein (just 1 gram per cup) compared to regular milk, but is high in Vitamin E, and some varieties are also fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
We look at the health benefits of almond milk:
1. Almond milk is low in calories
Almond milk is a low-calorie beverage, containing just 39 calories per cup, about half of that in a cup of skim cow’s milk. This makes it a healthy choice for those people who are trying to reduce their calorie intake or lose weight. However, it is important to choose varieties that are unsweetened, as some sweetened and flavoured versions are higher in calories.
2. Almond milk is dairy-free
Almond milk is naturally dairy-free as it is made from water and almonds. This makes it a great option for those people who follow a vegan diet, or those who are intolerant or allergic to lactose or dairy.
3. Almond milk will not spike blood sugar levels
Unsweetened almond milk has no added sugar and contains just 3.5 grams of carbohydrates per cup, compared to cow’s milk, which typically contains around 12 grams per cup. Relative to this, almond milk is high in healthful fats (around 3 grams per cup), which means it should not raise blood sugar levels, which may suit people with diabetes.
4. Almond milk contains powerful antioxidants
Almonds are a natural source of vitamin E, and one cup of almond milk provides 110 per cent of the recommended daily vitamin E intake. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation, and may reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and some types of cancers.
5. Almond milk can support bone health
When you reduce your dairy intake, you run the risk of running low on calcium, which is essential for bone health. However, some almond milks are fortified with calcium, with around 480mg per cup. The daily recommended allowance is 700mg.
6. Almond milk is high in vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, has several important functions in the body, including maintaining bone health, supporting your immune system and regulating cell growth. Approximately one billion people across the world have vitamin D deficiency, and this is only set to rise as lockdown restrictions associated with COVID-19 continue. However, some brands of almond milk are fortified with vitamin D.
7. Almond milk may support a healthy nervous system
Vegans and vegetarians can be at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is essential for energy, nerve function and cell formation. Almond milk may be fortified with the same level of vitamin B12 as cow’s milk.
8. Almond milk is low in phosphorus
Almond milk contains low levels of phosphorus (24mg per cup) and moderate amounts of potassium (176mg per cup), compared to soy milk and regular milk. This may make almond milk a suitable alternative for people with chronic kidney disease, who are unable to clear these nutrients properly. However, it is best to check with a medical professional first.
9. Almond milk is low in saturated fat
Almond milk is low in saturated fat compared to regular milk, making it a healthy choice for those people worried about their calorie intake or cholesterol levels. It also contains 1.3 grams of healthful unsaturated fat of almonds, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
10. Almond milk is easy to add to your diet
Almond is incredibly easy to add to your everyday diet, here are some ideas:
Enjoy it as a refreshing drink
Use it in smoothies
Have with porridge, muesli or cereal
Make hot drinks, such as hot chocolate or coffee lattes
Use in baking, such as banana bread or muffins
Use in cooking, such as soups, curries or stir-fries
Make home-made yogurt or ice-cream
How to make almond milk
While almond milk is easily available at supermarkets and cafes, it is relatively easy (and cheaper!) to make your own at home:
Soak almonds overnight in water
Drain soaked almonds the next morning
Blend almonds with fresh water and salt (you may add dates for sweetness)
Drain out the solids, and enjoy!
If avoiding dairy products altogether, always makes sure you have iodine containing foods, such as fish, such as cod or tuna, seaweed, shrimp, as this is something that we tend to get mainly from diary milk and without it we can become deficient, which may affect development, growth and the thyroid.
Last updated: 24-09-2020
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