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Top 5 Health Benefits of Dairy-Free Milk!

Over the past 10 years, dairy-free, plant-based milks have gained a lot of interest. They are great alternatives for managing cow milk allergy, lactose intolerance and prevalence of high cholesterol and a potential solution to environmental animal welfare concerns. Plant-based milks are a great milk alternative in a varied diet and has several advantages, read on for Top 5 Health Benefits of Dairy-Free Milk!

1. Low calorie
250ml or a glass of almond or coconut milk contain half the calories of cow’s milk. Having a glass of dairy-free milk offers a great keep fit, calorie cutting advantage. It is an ideal low-calorie alternative in the case of lactose intolerance or milk allergies as well.

2. Vitamin and mineral enriched
The dairy-free milks are normally enriched with B vitamins, calcium and vitamin D. This is handy for those who restrict or do not eat animal based products. Most animal products are rich in vitamin D which can be hard to intake on plant-based diets without supplementation or non-nutritional source such as sunshine.

3. Animal and environmentally friendly alternative
Consuming dairy-free milk goes with ethical and moral principles of sustainable lifestyle. Greenhouse gas production and animal welfare is not as big of an issue with production of nut or cereal-based milks.

4. Heart healthy
There is no cholesterol in the dairy-free milks as cholesterol is only found in animal products. Also, plant-based milks are free of saturated fat and instead may be a source of omega-3 fats as, for example hemp milk is. Omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties which is beneficial for healthy cardiovascular system.

5. Antioxidant rich
Phytochemicals in plants act as antioxidants. Isoflavones in soy milk are shown to be protective against cancer. Beta-glucan, a compound in the oat milk, is said to lower blood sugar which can be beneficial in blood glucose management.

Choosing non-dairy milk for clinical or health, or taste reasons is an easy option with such a great variety of plant-based milks nowadays. The thing to remember is to choose more natural varieties and perhaps sweeten with fruits and berries is a better choice. Using plant-based milk in a smoothie is an obvious option for spring and summer months. Otherwise, pouring it over cereal or bowl of berries can taste just as good.

Vesta Simkute

Vesta is currently studying to complete her MSc Nutrition in Practice degree. She loves thinking, talking and learning about food and nutrition by experimenting in the kitchen or exploring the science side of it. The focus of her own eating philosophy is natural produce and simplicity. Once qualified as a Nutritionist she aims to inspire and empower people to create a sustainable diet that optimises their health.

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