Plant milk is a drink that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people choose it to replace cow’s milk because it is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant. However, it is important to keep in mind certain facts about its labeling to ensure good food quality.
So what are the benefits of plant milk? When is its consumption recommended? These are just a few of the questions people have about these drinks.
Vegetable milk is a substitute for regular milk
Milk is a substance that has great nutritional value. However, this is not the best option for those people who have developed lactose intolerance. There are types of milk that lack sugar, which causes discomfort, and their organoleptic properties are not the same. Therefore, the difference in taste can be unpleasant for someone.
In these cases, vegetable milk is a great alternative, given the nutrients it offers. It is slightly inferior in protein and fat, but because it does not contain added sugars, it is suitable for a low-calorie diet.
Varieties of this milk are enriched with such important nutrients as B vitamins. According to a study published in the journal Subcellular Biochemistry, these vitamins are important for energy metabolism. Their introduction into the diet in the right quantities reduces the risk of cell and DNA damage.
Vegetable milk can be a good substitute for cow’s milk for people who are lactose intolerant.
Vegetable milk is easier to digest
One of the most noteworthy benefits of vegetable drinks is that they are easily digested. Because these foods are low in fat and protein, they pass faster through the stomach and do not cause discomfort.
Therefore, they are a great choice to add to coffee or cocktails for those who suffer from stomach or intestinal pain. Vegetable milk goes perfectly with fruit, so you can also use it to make smoothies.
However, if you suffer from problems with bowel movements or digestion, you should first consult a specialist. Sometimes these disorders are associated with intestinal dysbacteriosis. According to a study in the Journal of Biomedical Science, probiotics can help solve this problem.
Vegetable milk contains protein
Proteins in vegetable milk do not have high biological value. Moreover, their share is lower than in cow’s milk. Vegetable milk also contains these types of nutrients.
It is a great option for those who follow a vegan diet, as it helps meet protein needs. However, it is important to note that these proteins do not have a high biological value, they lack essential amino acids, and their digestibility is not the best.
As a result, they do not have to be the only source of protein for humans. It is necessary to combine them with other plant products containing this microelement. To ensure optimal consumption, you should follow the recommendations of a nutritionist.
Beware of drinks that contain sugar
As for store-bought vegetable kinds of milk, you should pay special attention to their labels. Some species contain added sugar. These ingredients improve the taste of milk, but also significantly reduce its nutritional quality.
According to a study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, excessive consumption of simple sugars increases the risk of metabolic diseases, so adding carbohydrates to plant milk can affect human health and increase the risk of diabetes.
It is important to read food labels for these foods carefully. This way you can choose the ones that do not contain sugar. Also, you should consume milk that contains most of the plant products in its composition, such as rice or oats.
Oatmeal and rice milk have a pleasant taste. Moreover, they do not contain sugar and can replace milk in many recipes.
You can add vegetable milk to your regular diet
Experts do not recommend replacing cow’s milk with vegetable milk unless there is a physical need (for example, lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy). However, you can still make this milk part of your daily diet.
If the goal is to create a fragrant base for a cocktail or smoothie, vegetable drinks are more suitable than dairy. In any case, choose varieties without added sugar. Otherwise, you will consume food that has no nutritional value.
Finally, keep in mind that some types of vegetable milk are enriched with vitamins and minerals. These drinks are especially useful for preventing nutritional deficiencies.
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