Almond Milk Benefits and Side Effects
Almond milk is drawn by blending almond nuts with water and sieving the mixture to eliminate the solids. You can also make almond milk by combining almond butter and water.
Almond milk has a creamy texture like milk and a lovely nutty aroma. As a result, its common among vegans and vegetarians as well as lactose-intolerant people.
Almond milk is available in most supermarkets in the healthy food section. But for health and well-being reasons, it’s best to get unsweetened almond milk.
Most almond milk brands are fortified with minerals, protein, and vitamins.
Also, if you don’t consume dairy, choose products fortified with calcium. Some studies have linked almonds to various health benefits, some of which do not apply to almond milk.
This is because almond milk manufacturers draw the milk from skinned almonds, and they strain the mixture. This eliminates most of the antioxidants and fiber.
Also, almond milk is diluted, so it’s a less concentrated nutrient source than whole almonds. But if you go for the fortified options, the nutritional level should be okay.
Still not sure if almond milk is a healthy vegan or vegetarian option for you? Don’t worry; we’ll look at some of its side effects and some of its benefits in this review.
We’ll also look at whether almond milk is Paleo, whether almonds are good for weight loss, and tasty shakes with almond milk and smoothie recipes. Let’s go!
Benefits of Almond Milk
Almond Milk Benefits and Side Effects – Benefits of Almond Milk
1. Can Strengthen Your Bones
Dairy milk products are the richest source of calcium. Almond milk is not so much, but when fortified, almond milk can offer up to 40% of the required amount of calcium to the body.
2. It Doesn’t Raise Blood Sugar
Most almond milk is filled with sugar and sweeteners. On the other hand, unsweetened almond milk is low carb comprising less than 4g of carbs in one cup.
For this reason, it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it a viable cow milk option for people with diabetes as well as those on a low-carb diet.
3. It’s Dairy-Free
Almond milk has no dairy in it, making it a great beverage for people on a vegan diet or people who are allergic to milk (lactose intolerant).
4. Low in Calories
Although almonds are 50% fat and rich in calories, almond milk is a low-calorie beverage.
This means you can drink a lot of it without gaining weight. One cup of almond milk has about 39 calories, half the amount in one cup of skim milk.
5. Nutritious
Although processed almond milk isn’t as nutritious as cow milk, some fortified versions are very nutritious.
They contain calcium, protein, and vitamin D, making them more similar to cow milk in terms of nutritional value. Also, almond milk is naturally rich in vitamin E.
5 Side Effects of Almond Milk
Side Effects
1. Effect on Thyroid
Almond milk is a goitrogenic food. This means that it contains chemicals that can cause harm to the thyroid when consumed in large amounts.
For people with low thyroid function, it’s best to consume almond milk in moderation or refrain entirely.
2. High Sugar Level
Commercial-produced almond milk has more sugar and sweeteners than cow milk which is obviously a drawback, especially for people with diabetes.
3. Issues with infants
Almond milk is not recommended for infants. It doesn’t contain the ideal levels of nutrients that infants need; hence it shouldn’t be used in place of breast milk.
4. Nut Allergies
Almond milk is not recommended for people who are allergic to nuts. Plus, those who are lactose intolerant should also avoid consuming a lot of almond milk.
5. Stomach Troubles
Excessive consumption of almond milk can cause bowel movement problems, nausea, and stomach pains. So you should consume it in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Milk
Is Almond Milk Paleo?
Is Almond Milk Paleo
The paleo diet is known by different names, such as the stone-age diet, and it has become widespread due to tons of recent studies.
This diet is rich in protein, supporting the consumption of good fats and low carbohydrates.
Since the grain and wheat derivatives we consume comprise a lot of gluten, they adversely affect the human digestive tract.
This causes bloating and gastrointestinal issues. Considering that dairy products have an essential place in our diets, what should people who seek an alternative do? Will it be an issue if I make almond milk when on a paleo diet?
Unfortunately, you shouldn’t consume almonds or almond milk when on the paleo diet.
However, you can make almond milk suitable for the paleo diet. How do you do this? Check out our paleo almond milk review to learn more.
Are Almonds Good for Weight Loss?
Almond Milk Benefits and Side Effects – Are Almonds Good for Weight Loss?
Diet plays the most prominent role when it comes to weight loss. Many people know that certain fruits, grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and veggies can help them lose weight.
However, did you also know almonds and almond milk can help you lose weight?
Since nuts contain a lot of calories and fiber, many people looking to lose weight avoid them altogether.
But nuts are nutritious and should be included in virtually all dietary plans. But the question is, are nuts good for weight loss?
Some of them, such as almonds, can help with weight loss. Even though they are referred to as nuts, almonds are seeds of the almond tree.
When you buy them in grocery stores, their shells are usually removed, revealing the edible portion.
Almonds have a high protein content, leading to the formation of lean muscle mass.
So you can consume them as a pre-or post-workout treat. Learn more about almonds and weight loss by checking out our review.
Tasty Keto Chocolate Shake with Almond Milk
Tasty Keto Chocolate Shake with Almond Milk
A chocolate shake with almond milk is a great way to start your day if you’re on a keto diet.
While chocolate will add some aroma, flavor, and texture to the shake, other ingredients will be needed to make it nutritious, and this is where almond milk comes in.
The recipe for this shake is straightforward. However, there are some vital things you need to take care of during preparation.
The key thing to remember when preparing a keto chocolate shake with almond milk is to use keto-friendly foods.
This is because you need to stick to the keto rules and guidelines even as you add some nutrition to your diet.
As we all know, the keto diet is all about plenty of fats, moderate proteins, and low carbs, and the same rules should apply when making the shake.
You can swap out ingredients and use others; it’s not written in stone that specific foods must be used. Check out our tasty keto chocolate shake with almond milk review to learn more.
Superfood Smoothie Recipes with Milkshake Taste
Superfood Smoothie Recipes with Milkshake Taste
When a milkshake craving hits you, nothing will satisfy it other than a delicious and frosty blended beverage.
However, sometimes these pesky cravings don’t align with your well-being goals or desire to keep off sugar.
The only thing better than a thick and sweet shake is a healthy smoothie which is okay for breakfast, a midday treat, or a light dessert.
You might be wondering what the difference between a milkshake and a smoothie is. A milkshake is diary-based and relies on ice cream and sugar for flavor.
On the other hand, smoothies are the healthy cousins of milkshakes using fruits, seeds, and non-dairy options such as almond milk.
Why almond milk instead of whole dairy? It’s because almond milk is gut-friendly for most people.
So if you prefer a smoothie with a bit more liquid consistency, you can add almond milk.
To learn more about how you can use almond milk to make superfood smoothie recipes with a milkshake taste, check out our review on the same.
Super Tasty Diabetic Smoothie Recipes
Super Tasty Diabetic Smoothie Recipes
If you’re diabetic, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have the foods you love, although you should make healthier food choices.
One option is to eat plenty of nutritious fruits and vegetables that are light in calories.
Some fruits and veggies are better for managing diabetes than others, so look for products that has a low glycaemic index meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar,
It’s also crucial that you eat plenty of calcium and probiotic-rich foods to strengthen your bones and provide good gut bacteria.
Some of the best calcium and probiotic-rich foods are almond milk, Greek yogurt, kefir, and low-fat dairy.
Almond milk is especially good for persons who are lactose intolerant. Almond milk is also rich in vitamin E and other minerals.
Keep in mind if you have almond milk, stay away from the sweetened versions because they don’t bode well with diabetes.
To learn more about super tasty diabetic smoothie recipes, check out our review on the same.
Irresistible Vegan Snacks
Irresistible Vegan Snacks
When you’re transitioning to a vegan diet or have made the switch recently, one of the first things to overcome is determining what you should eat.
It can be tricky, especially if you’re used to consuming a lot of meat and dairy products. But, with a bit of resolve and preparation, going vegan won’t be complicated.
For instance, you can substitute meat for tofu and dairy products with non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk.
Fortified almond milk has virtually the same amount of calcium as regular yogurt, about 40% of your daily value.
So if you miss yogurt after going vegan or want something tangy for breakfast or as a midday dessert, you can have a cup of almond milk.
It has less saturated fat than yogurt, and it’s cholesterol-free as well as lactose-free.
Also, when you’re hungry, and you feel like reaching for something unhealthy like chips or cookies, know that these aren’t you’re only options.
Learn more about irresistible vegan snacks by checking out our review.
1000 Calorie Smoothie Recipes
1000 Calorie Smoothie Recipes
The best way to gain muscle is to eat more calories than your body expends daily and have a proper weight-lifting routine. Anything else less efficient might not work for you.
The most common complaint among people attempting to build muscle is that it’s hard to get adequate calories per day.
This is where a 1000+ calorie smoothie comes in, thanks to its ability to allow you to ingest whole foods.
As a result, you can consume more food at a faster rate. Eating six bananas in one sitting is a bit hard, but it’s much easier when you blend them into a smoothie.
No chewing, no cooking, and no wasting valuable time you could spend working out. Therefore, get those calories in as efficiently as humanly possible.
A 1000+ smoothie comprises mixing ingredients. This allows you to transform each recipe into something you will personally find delicious.
For instance, you can have a granola smoothie fortified with almond milk, Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and protein powder.
It’s all up to you to figure out what to put in your 1000 calorie smoothie, albeit it has to supply the energy you need. Check out our review to learn more about 1000-calorie smoothies.
800 Calorie Smoothie Recipes
Almond Milk Benefits and Side Effects – 800 Calorie Smoothie Recipes
It can be hard to actualize when you have a specific calorie limit in mind, such as 800 for a smoothie. This is because the chances of you getting stuck are very high. For instance, you’re a vegan, lactose or sugar intolerant, or you’re very picky.
Fortunately, we’ve gathered several smoothie recipes for you, and the good news is that they are all 800 calories. Therefore, you can try them all or choose one that suits your taste. Check out our review on 800-calorie smoothies to learn more.
Diet for Constipation
Almond Milk Benefits and Side Effects – Diet for Constipation
When you’re suffering from constipation, you need to consume foods that get your digestive tract moving.
The best foods for this scenario are fiber-rich foods, and you’ll realize that the best source of these foods is plants.
When constipated, some of the foods to have include fruits, veggies, and whole grains (oatmeal and wheat). You can also have nuts such as cashews and almonds as treats.
Fortunately, we have compiled a review on the constipation diet, so you can go ahead and check it out to find some constipation-friendly recipes.
Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie
Almond Milk Benefits and Side Effects – Heavy Metal Detox Smoothie
To be honest, we’re all under a massive threat from heavy metals, and we can’t escape them in our day-to-day lives.
So big is the issue that these metals are present in the air we breathe and the water we drink; they’re virtually everywhere.
We can use nutritious foods to counter this threat posed by heavy metals, and what better way to ingest these foods than to make healthy smoothie recipes.
So what are heavy metal detox smoothies, and how do you make them. For this and more, check out our review on the same to learn more.
Final Thought
As you can see, it’s indeed true that almond milk has benefits and side effects.
However, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, so consider almond milk if you’re vegan or want something liquid and healthy to add to your shakes and smoothies.
See Also
Anti Inflammatory Diet Meal Plan PDF
Pescatarian Keto (Video Recipe)
800 Calorie Diet (Video)