Have you ever wondered what the health benefits of almond milk for weight management are? These days, more people are eliminating dairy from their diets and seeking plant-based alternatives. Almond milk is becoming a popular and favorite plant-based milk choice for so many.
Almond is a form of dry fruit that has its seeds enveloped in a hard fruit shell. Almond milk is a well-known product gotten from almond nuts. It typically has a watery yet creamy texture and a distinctive nutty flavor. It usually has a much lower protein and calcium content compared to cow’s milk.
Almond milk is low in fat and hardly has any cholesterol. It is packed with nutrients such as vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and sodium. They are also rich in folate, zinc, and riboflavin, making almond milk highly nutritious. All these nutrients are beneficial to your health and contribute to a healthy diet.
Not only is almond vegan friendly, but it is also vegetarian-friendly and a healthy substitute for cow’s milk. Almond milk is also lactose-free and doesn’t have gluten, which makes it a great alternative for those who are lactose and/or gluten intolerant.
In this blog post, we explore 3 top reasons and health benefits of almond milk for weight management and your overall health!
So What are the Health Benefits of Almond Milk for Weight Management?
Aids Weight Loss and Management
An effective way to achieve weight loss is to reduce your calorie intake. For those aiming to lose weight, plant-based milk usually has fewer calories in comparison to cow’s milk. This makes it a great substitute for dairy, as it will help you lose or maintain your present weight.
One cup of almond milk contains about 40 to 50 calories making it ideal for weight management or weight loss goals. This means that you can drink a lot of it without putting on much weight. It’s important to note that homemade almond milk may contain higher calories due to a larger amount of almond nuts. Also, different commercial versions of almond milk may contain different quantities of added sugar and fat.
If you’re considering using almond milk to help you lose weight, it is vital to read the nutrition and ingredient list to control calorie intake. Remember, sweetened or flavored almond milk typically has higher calories in comparison to unsweetened versions.
Lactose-Free and Ideal for Vegans
Almond milk is a plant-based drink making it a suitable option for people on a vegan diet. It is also an excellent dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. It doesn’t contain any lactose, making it an apt replacement for those with animal milk allergies.
People who are intolerant to lactose, often suffer from excessive gas, bloating, diarrhea, and tummy discomfort. This is because they are unable to completely digest the lactose, which passes down to the colon, where it becomes fermented by the resident bacteria, leading to these problems.
Many vegans use almond milk as their dairy alternative of choice as it contains no animal meat or by-products. It is not only a vegan-friendly food by nature but also an ideal ingredient for vegetarian recipes.
Almond Milk is a Great Low-Calorie and Low-fat Option
Unsweetened almond milk is creamy and much lower in sugars and fat in comparison to cow’s milk. It has a low glycemic index and is considered great for diabetic individuals or those seeking to lower their sugar levels. Unsweetened almond milk is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes. Also, since it doesn’t have cholesterol, it’s a great choice for your heart health and will support your weight loss goals.
For people who are counting calories, unsweetened almond milk is a healthy low-calorie option, as it is low in fat and added sugar than the flavored versions. Additionally, for maximum health benefits, avoid certain brands or products that contain added sugar or fat as these usually contain a much higher number of calories.
How to Make and Use Home-Made Almond Milk for Weight Management
In as little as five minutes you can also make almond milk at home in a high-speed blender. It’s a cost-effective and sustainable method to customize this plant-based beverage with the perfect ratio of water and almonds. It’ll also help you keep track of the number of calories in your homemade version.
- Place the almonds in a bowl and allow to soak for at least 4- 6 hours (or overnight). This helps the almonds to soften.
- Drain off the water and rinse the almonds a few times.
- Next, pour the almonds into a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Add 2 -3 cups of room temperature water to the blender.
- Blend on high speed for about 3 minutes until finely ground or you get a creamy consistency
- Strain the liquid through a mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Pour your fresh homemade almond milk into storage bottles.
- Keep your liquid fresh mix refrigerated for 2–4 days.
Do you know almond milk can be used as a replacement in any recipe that calls for regular cow’s milk? The key objective of switching to this plant-based milk is to enjoy the health benefits of almond milk for weight management or weight loss. There are different ways to make use of almond milk and they include:
- Drinking a glass of fresh almond milk
- They can be used to prepare cereal or overnight oat recipes
- Also great for preparing healthy pancakes
- Use almond milk as an alternative to cow’s milk in healthy cookie recipes
- In the preparation of milkshakes or smoothies
- As a delicious non-dairy coffee creamer
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