Food June 18, 2018
Got milk?
ENTITY shares the best milk alternativesGrowing up, we were all told to drink our milk to grow strong and be healthy. Well, turns out our bodies don’t actually need cow’s milk at all. In fact, drinking milk on a regular basis can actually result in several negative side effects.
Dairy milk can wreak havoc on the skin because of its high hormone levels. Healthline states that the hormones found in dairy milk can interfere with our own natural hormone levels and signal breakouts. Heathline also states that dairy milk can trigger eczema and rosacea in adults. Yikes.
Turns out, dairy milk might not be so great for bone health either. A study conducted by the British Medical Journal states that women who drink milk have a higher incidence of bone fractures, and women who drink three or more glasses a day also have a greater chance of getting a hip fracture and a 93 percent increase in death. Research shows that animal products can actually take calcium from the bones and make them weaker. Um, we’ll pass.
A study from the journal “Neurology” notes that there is a connection between milk consumption and the development of Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disease that affects mobility. The study found that men who reported drinking two or more glasses of milk a day showed thinner nerves in certain brain areas. Although the study doesn’t conclude that everyone who drinks milk is putting themselves at risk of developing Parkinson’s, the researchers state that diet plays a definitive role in overall health.
If these statistics have you rethinking your diet, don’t fret! Fortunately, giving up milk doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite foods. Many brands offer products made with milk alternatives as a substitute for dairy. If you want to cut dairy out of your diet, one of the easiest ways is to enjoy some great milk alternatives. Here are some of the best options available.
Oat milk is one of the best dairy alternatives because of its affordability and versatility. The milk is made from steel cut oats that are soaked in water, blended and then strained. Oat milk has a creamier texture than most milk alternatives, making it a great substitute as a creamer for coffee or in mashed potatoes. It’s also generally safe for people with gluten intolerance, but always read the label to be safe! Being a drink that’s high in fiber, low in cholesterol and high in calcium makes oat milk a great alternative.
Almond milk is perhaps one of the most popular milk alternatives. It’s made by blending almonds and water, and straining the mixture through a sieve until you’re left with separated juice and pulp. Almond milk is typically enriched with vitamins, calcium and protein, so it has a high nutritional content. Also, most almond milk is low carb and low sugar (if you buy the unsweetened one). Vitamin E can also be found in almond milk, making it great for overall heart health. Its versatile nature makes it perfect for just about every recipe — add almond milk to smoothies, ice creams, coffee, sauces and even homemade mac and cheese!
Coconut milk has many health benefits including helping with dandruff, itchy skin, wounds and even wrinkle prevention! Coconut milk can also help to prevent heart disease because of the healthy fatty acids present in the drink that can kill bacteria that forms plaque in the arteries. The natural flavors present in coconut milk can be used in a variety of recipes including coconut rice, coconut flan and coconut curried chicken.
As with the other milk alternatives mentioned above, cashew milk is incredibly nutritious and beneficial to overall health. It’s high in fiber, antioxidants, protein and unsaturated fats (which are great for heart health). Cashews are said to help with heart inflammation and lower cholesterol levels, and can even help with weight loss and bone health. Use cashew milk for a variety of recipes including pasta sauces, hot chocolate, pudding and popsicles.
