Almonds are a healthy snack. Ask any nutritionist or dietician and you would be recommended to have a few almonds when you are hungry instead of resorting to one of the hundreds of goodies you can pick up from your nearest convenience store. Naturally then, almond milk must also be very healthy. At a time when almond milk is growing in popularity and many people are choosing it over animal milk and the many substitutes there is, one must have a holistic idea of the good and the bad. Almond milk is indeed a great food but you should also exercise caution. Here are some of the almond milk pros and cons.
List of Pros of Almond Milk
1. Almond milk is a treasure trove of protein, magnesium, fibre, selenium, vitamin E, zinc, manganese, iron, potassium, calcium, tryptophan and phosphorus.
These are essential minerals and vitamins. You would also get healthy fibre that is essential for a nice body mass index, optimum metabolic rates and appetite.
2. Almond milk has flavonoids.
You may be aware that flavonoids can reduce bad cholesterol and is thus good for the heart. Those with cardiovascular problems will benefit from almond milk.
3. Almond milk is rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants fight free radicals in the human body and strengthen the immune system.
4. Almond milk contains certain prebiotic properties that improve digestive health.
The human gut has good bacteria that aid in digestion. Many people these days resort to supplements to help grow the healthy bacteria in the intestines. Almond milk can make those supplements unnecessary.
5. Almond milk is good for people with high blood sugar.
It can help in the regulation of blood sugar. It can reduce constipation. Almond milk tastes good and even those who don’t like rice or soy milk will find it tastier.
6. Almond milk doesn’t contain much saturated fat.
It doesn’t have to be refrigerated all the time. It doesn’t have any problems for those who are lactose intolerant.
List of Cons of Almond Milk
1. Almond milk has many nutrients but it scores low on essential nutrients that we get from animal milk.
The quantum of protein and calcium that we get from cow’s milk is much greater than what we get in almond milk. Cow’s milk has 300 mg of calcium for a serving of 250 ml. Almond milk has 8 mg of calcium for the same serving. This is why there are some brands trying to sell almond milk with added calcium and vitamins, especially vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
2. Any processed almond milk will have additives and sweeteners.
They are undesirable, don’t have much nutrition and are unhealthy.
