Everything You Need To Know About Milk Alternatives

Studies show that up to 75% of us are actually intolerant to dairy, and whilst cow’s milk may be packed of great nutrients for calves, it apparently contains a ton of hormones that could mess up our own natural hormone levels. Aside from this, there are a few other reasons you might want to swear off the dairy:

• The fact that that dairy is good for your bones or prevents osteoporosis is apparently a myth — in fact, the animal protein it contains may help cause bone loss.

• Dairy is linked to prostate cancer.

• It’s full of saturated fat and is linked to heart disease

• Dairy causes digestive problems for the 75 per cent of people with lactose intolerance.

• Dairy aggravates irritable bowel

Knowing all of this, you might be ready to swear off to dairy for good. Luckily for you, many others have done the same and the market has very much adapted for this change with a ton of milk alternatives now readily available. Here’s what you need to know about each option.

1. Almond milk

Almond milk had many benefits and is probably one of the favourites when it comes to milk alternatives. It contains flavonoids, which help to lower levels of “bad” cholesterol and protects the heart and is rick in a ton of great nutrients (including protein). It doesn’t require refrigeration which is great for if you’re travelling or on the move. My only issue with this one is that it doesn’t work well in Hot drinks, it doesn’t seem to dilute coffee or tea like cows milk does.

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2. Soy Milk

This is a controversial milk alternative and is really the marmite of the milk world. In my opinion, it’s the best tasting of the lot and has the most similar properties to cows milk like its creaminess and calcium density. However, it does sometimes curdle with boiling water so also not the best for your coffee unless you’re heating it separately in a latte style. There have also been studies to suggest soy milk contains estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones. Some findings suggested that these compounds could promote the growth of some cancer cells, impair female fertility, and mess with thyroid function.

3. Coconut milk

This is the most discussed milk alternative when it comes to weight loss. When it comes to most coconut products, they’re pretty high in fat. Now, whilst it’s a healthy fat, there’s contradicting opinions as to whether it’s the best milk alternative to chose when trying to regulate your weight. One side argues that consuming this healthy fat keeps them satiated for longer, meaning they are snacking less and consuming fewer calories overall, whereas others are suggesting the milk is too high in calories and a lower calorie milk alternative would be a better option. Either way, it’s a tasty alternative and definitely a great option.

4. Oat milk

This is the most calorie dense of all the milk alternative options with one cup of oat milk containing between 100 to 120 calories. Oat milk is a great source of fibre if you need help getting things moving along! It also has a really neutral taste, making it perfect to use on other things such as baking and coffee. The main downside is that oat milk fails to provide a complete protein like most other milk alternatives do.

Although these are probably the most popular milk alternatives, there are plenty more out there to choose from, so try a few out and see which one works best for you. If you have a favourite please make sure you let me know down in the comments!

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