Healthiest Milks to Drink

No particular milk can claim to be healthy. The good choice depends on an individual’s metabolism, dietary needs, and current diet. Dairy has exploded with milk and milk alternative options in this years. While selecting the healthiest milk is not only about the fat content. It can be difficult to find the milk that suits an individual without trying them all. According to research, the benefits of cow milk can be difficult to beat in terms of nutrition. It contains calcium, vitamin D, niacin, and protein. On the other hand, soy milk is a plant-based milk. It has similar nutrient profile to that of cow’s milk.

Healthiest Milk Options

Following are some healthiest milk options an individual can add to their diet:

1. Hemp milk

Hemp milk is a plant milk. It is made from the hemp seeds. The process involves soaking hemp seeds and then grounding them in water. Hemp is conducive to being organically grown and labeled. Before purchasing hemp milk keep in mind that hemp milk can contain additional sweetened or flavours.

Nutritional value of hemp milk

1oo milliliters of hemp milk contains the following nutrition:

Calories: 45
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fat: 3g
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 0 grams
Phosphorus: 25%
Calcium: 20%
Magnesium: 15%
Iron: 10%

2. Oat milk

Oat milk is a plant milk made from whole oat. This milk is naturally sweet from the oats and high in carbs. The soluble fiber present in oat milk makes it a bit creamier. This soluble fiber absorbs water and turns into a gel during digestion which helps slow digestion. It even keeps full for longer and stabilizes the blood sugar levels. The soluble fiber in oat milk can reduce the cholesterol levels.

Nutritional value of oat milk

Energy: 120
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrate: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugars: 7 g
Calcium: 350 mg
Potassium: 389 mg
Sodium: 101 mg
Vitamin: B

3. Almond milk

Almond milk is a plant-based milk substitute with a watery texture and nutty flavor made from almonds. It is a good choice for people who do not like dairy milk. Almond milk which is unsweetened is low in calories and lower in carbs. This milk is a naturally good source of the antioxidant vitamin E. It is low in protein and many other nutrients. Almond milk is good for one who follows a lower-carb diet. Before purchasing almond milk make sure to check the ingredient label because many brands contain added sugar. Almond milk can not be safe if an individual has a tree nut allergy.

Nutritional value of almond milk

Energy: 39 kJ
Protein: 1.55 g
Fat: 2.88 g
Saturated fat: 0.21 g
Carbohydrate: 1.52 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Calcium: 516 mg
Potassium: 176 mg
Sodium: 186 mg
Vitamin B12: 2.70 mcg
Vitamin A: 503
Vitamin D: 119
Cholesterol: 0 mg

4. Coconut milk

Coconut milk is a milky-white liquid extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts. Usually, this milk is packaged in cartons is blended with water so that its consistency is similar to that of cow’s milk. Coconut milk contains less protein than almond milk. However, many brands are enriched with certain nutrients. The canned coconut milk is loaded with fat and has a more distinctive coconut flavor. It is unfortified. Some brands of coconut milk are fortified with nutrients such as B12, D, A, and some minerals. Make sure to check and compare the labels before purchasing it.

Nutritional value of coconut milk

Calories: 76
Protein: 0.5 g
Sugar: 6.1 g
Total fat: 5 g
Calcium: 459 mg
Potassium: 46 mg
Fiber: 0 g

5. Soy milk

Soy milk is made from soaking soybeans in water and grinding them, and then, filtering the remnant mixture to form a creamy beverage. It is high in protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and potassium and can be used as a cow milk substitute. According to research consuming soy foods is connected to health benefits such as improved cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Nutritional value of soy milk

Calories: 105
Protein: 6 g
Carbs: 12 g
Fat: 4 g
Vitamin B12: 32%
Calcium: 30%
Riboflavin: 25%
Vitamin D: 25%
Phosphorus: 10%