Maybe we’ve grown up cow’s milk is a healthy choice for the body, in recent years there has been skepticism about its consumption.
This vegetable milk Is it a healthy choice? Does it have similar nutritional value to cow’s milk? What type of plant milk should you choose: soy, oats, almonds?
Benefits of cow’s milk
Regardless of the type you choose (whole, light, lactose-free, etc.), milk is a rich drink. food items, such as calcium, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin A.
Thus, consuming a glass of milk in the morning is an easy way to add to the diet calcium and protein of high biological value, essential nutrients for building strong bones and muscles”, explains Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist Mr. Karolos Papalazarou.
Cow’s milk concerns
Although milk seems to have many benefits, many people choose not to drink it do not consume for various reasons such as:
• Allergies: It is estimated that 2-3% of babies are born with a milk allergy.
• Lactose intolerance: For this reason, a large increase in the sale of lactose-free cow’s milk has been observed in recent years.
• Environmental Concerns: Cows increase emissions and require more land and resources to exist.
• Antibiotics and pesticides: Although organic milk is less likely to contain antibiotics and pesticides, not everyone can afford it. Antibiotics and pesticides can leave one conditional trace (non-organic) milk, although the health consequences of these residues are not fully known.
• Hormones: Cow’s milk contains estrogen and progesterone, hormones that can cause some fears cancer or leads to early puberty Girls. There is limited research to support these claims.
• Prostate health: Studies have shown that men who consume enough milk and dairy products have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
The benefits of plant milk
• Plant milks offer both environmental as well as nutritional benefits. The sources used for alternative dairy drinks require less land, water, fertilizer and energy than cow’s milk.
• For the people they are trying to follow vegetarian dietsplant milks offer good alternative to cow’s milk, Although not all are completely comparable in terms of nutrition.
• Plant-based milks are typically lower in saturated fat and calories than cow’s milk and provide some nutritional benefits. the plants themselves.
• Plant-based milks are also a good choice for those withn milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
Concerns about plant milk
Just as there are concerns about cow’s milk, there are concerns about plant milks.
• Food gaps: Nutritional content varies among all plant-based milks, but soy milk is the only milk that really compares to cow’s milk.
• Price: Plant milk prices can be significantly higher than cow’s milk.
• Added sugars: Many plant-based milks have sugar added to increase sweetness and improve taste.
The main types of vegetable milk
Almond milk
Almond milk has a mild and slightly dry taste and is ideal for consumption with cereals. It’s less calories and less protein. The minimal fats in its composition are unsaturated fats that are good for health.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk perfect for cookingbecause it gives aroma and delicious taste to the food.
Hemp milk
Hemp milk is made from it seeds of the hemp plant. A glass of hemp milk can provide 50% of the recommended amount daily intake contains alpha-linolenic acid, so it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Oat milk
Oat milk is slightly sweet with a thin consistency similar to light cow’s milk. High content fiber and antioxidants, oats are a particularly healthy food.
Research shows that regular consumption can have a positive effect on gastrointestinal problems, while a number of publications confirm its help lowering cholesterol.
Rice milk
In terms of nutrition, rice milk does not have any advantages over other plant-based milks. more hypoallergenic milk especially suitable for people with allergies and intolerances.
Compared to others rice milk rich in carbohydrates but poorer in fat, protein and other nutrients not enriched.
Soy milk
Soy milk is perennially the most popular plant-based milk. It is the only milk alternative that naturally contains the same amount of protein as cow’s milk About 3 g per 100 ml
After all, which milk is better?
It doesn’t actually exist clear winner. The answer depends on it individual nutrition the needs, limitations and concerns of each.