Amazing Health Benefits Of Vegan Milk (Plant-based Milk)

What Is Plant-based Milk?

A lactose-free substitute to cow milk, plant-based milk or vegan milk is commonly made from almond, cashew, oats, rice or coconut. Also termed as mylk, plant-based milk is not just cruelty-free but also possess various additional benefits. The low amount of fat in these types of mylk, along with the good protein content makes vegan milk a perfect alternative for cow milk or goat milk - basically milk that has lactose in it.

A dairy-free diet helps your body and overall health in various ways such as improving digestion, preventing acne, promoting weight loss, improvement in metabolism and energy levels and does not cause any inflammation that would lead to the growth of unhealthy gut bacteria linked to some chronic diseases or conditions including leaky gut.

In the current article, we will take a look at some of the most common types of plant-based milk and how they help promote a healthy lifestyle.

1. Soy Milk

The most commonly used substitute for cow's milk, studies have asserted that soy milk is the most nutritionally-balanced of the plant-based milk alternatives. The study compared the plant-based milk with that of other similar options and cow's milk as well; soy milk comes closest to cow's milk. Made from the beans of soy, the type of milk is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

Benefits

• Rich in protein, soy milk can help promote a balanced diet.
• Dietary sources of oestrogen and progesterone found in soy milk aids in the balance of hormone levels in women during menopause.
• The plant-based milk is also cholesterol-free and packed with essential monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids (the good guys) which helps in lowering cholesterol and promoting cardiovascular health.

Side effects

• Soy milk has a high-calorie content - which can lead to weight gain.
• As soy is one of the common allergens, drinking soy milk can cause swelling, hives, diarrhoea, bloating, headache and vomiting in some individuals.
• Young children are increasingly prone to soy allergies.

2. Almond Milk

The second popular option in vegan milk, almond milk is made by soaking almonds in water and then blending and straining away the solids. Unsweetened almond milk is low in calories and is low in carbohydrates - making it suitable for a low-carb diet. Researchers have suggested that almond milk is an effective alternative for children and adults who suffer from allergies or intolerances to milk. Compared to rice and soy milk, almond milk naturally has the most vitamins and minerals including copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium etc.

Benefits

• It has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) that can aid in weight loss and weight management.
• This vegan milk is a naturally good source of the antioxidant vitamin E.
• Unsweetened almond milk does not raise blood sugar levels, therefore, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

Side effects

• Some brands of almond milk contain added sugar, which is not a healthy addition.
• Many brands contain additives like carrageenan to thicken and prevent separation, which can cause intestinal inflammation and damage.
• Individuals with tree nut allergies should avoid almond milk.
• It is not preferable for children as it is low in protein and calories.

3. Oat Milk

Naturally sweet from the oats, oat milk is nutritious and contains soluble fibre. Enriched with vitamins and calcium, the milk has a low saturated fat content. The soluble fibre in it gives the milk a creamy texture and in comparison to other types of plant-based milk, oat milk has the highest amount of calories and carbohydrates. Always opt for gluten-free oat milk.

Benefits

• It is beneficial for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Oat milk is high in beta-glucans (a soluble fibre) which help lower blood cholesterol.
• Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, this vegan milk boosts bone health.
• The soluble fibre in oat milk helps slow digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer.
• It also helps stabilize your blood sugar levels.

Side effects

• Avoid sweetened or flavoured oat milk as they are high in sugar.
• Oat milk with added sugar can impact digestive health and could alter the gut microbiome.

4. Hemp Milk

Made from ground, soaked hemp seeds, hemp milk do not contain the psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant. High in protein and omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fats, hemp milk is naturally carbohydrate-free. However, some brands have added sugar which is composed of brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice, or cane sugar.

Benefits

• Studies indicate that unflavoured hemp milk can help lower a person's overall cholesterol.
• As it is rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), hemp milk may help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation.
• The presence of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can help promote skin health.

5. Coconut Milk

This type of milk is made from the white flesh of a coconut. Coconut milk has a pleasant flavour and has less protein than almond milk. In comparison to other plant-based milk types, coconut milk contains small amounts of beneficial medium-chain triglycerides that are beneficial for one's overall health.

Benefits

• The triglycerides fats in coconut milk help improve one's energy levels.
• It may help improve one's immune system.
• The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may help improve an individual's heart health by promoting the HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reducing the levels of harmful low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) that are associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Side effects

• It is rich in saturated fat which can cause a rise in your LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Consuming too much of the milk can result in weight gain.
• Coconut milk also contains fermentable carbohydrates which can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhoea or constipation, in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
• Individuals with tree nut allergies can consume coconut milk, however certain proteins in it can cause allergic reactions such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and itching or irritation of the mouth, throat, eyes, or skin.

6. Rice Milk

Made by combining partially milled rice and water, rice milk has a sweet flavour and comes in a variety of flavours. As it comes from a grain, rice milk has a high carbohydrate content. Rice milk is the most hypoallergenic compared to other options and has the highest amount of manganese and selenium compared to the other milk substitutes.

Benefits

• The presence of antioxidants in the milk help prevent the onset of infections and boost your immune system.
• Rice milk has very low-fat content, making it suitable for a weight-loss diet.
• It is beneficial for individuals suffering from cholesterol.
• A good source of B vitamins, rice milk can help improve one's metabolism, circulation and nerve function.
• It is proven to promote cardiovascular health.

Side effects

• It is high in carbohydrates, so it's the least desirable choice for people with diabetes.
• Uncontrolled consumption of rice milk can cause health risks for infants and children due to inorganic arsenic levels.

Some of the other common types of plant-based milk are flaxseed milk which is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, cashew milk which is a good alternative for those watching calories and carbohydrates, and peanut milk which is a great source of omega-6 fatty acids.

On A Final Note…

Although dairy milk has its benefits, various studies and reports have pointed out that plant-based milk is increasingly beneficial for an adult's health. In comparison, vegan milk is lower in sugar and calories, does not trigger the release of ICF-1 hormones (linked with cancer cell growth and acne) and are easy to digest.

However, some of the cons of these plant-based milk are that they are low in protein, calcium, and certain vitamins and minerals, thereby requiring one to look for substitutes. All in all, plant-based beverages are not an exact substitute for cow's milk but are cruelty-free and a tad bit healthier. For an adult, plant-based milk is the best option.