Plant milks for health
Of late, many people have started opting for non-dairy, plant-based milks for reasons including health, lactose intolerance or veganism. Shweta Shah, nutritionist, says, “The biggest myth is that protein is only found in dairy milk. Many people around the world consume non-dairy milk out of respect for animals. They are better for the environment as well.”
Shah adds, “Non-dairy milk takes care of almost all elements of your nutrition. A vegan diet, which contains milk from plant sources, can improve heart health, aid in weight loss and lower the risk of chronic diseases.”
We explore the health benefits for the most popular plant-based milks on World Milk Day: beverage. It can also help keep a check on your blood sugar levels. Almond milk is rich in vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant and helps lower your risk of stroke, heart disease, and even cancer. Its bioactive plant compounds, including polyphenols, are responsible for many health benefits of almonds. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are good for heart health.
It is beneficial for the brain as it contains a high concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in an ideal ratio that supports your skin’s immune response to inflammation and aging. Hemp is rich in the amino acid arginine, which your body needs to create nitric oxide (it helps relax blood vessels and maintain blood pressure). It’s also rich in arginine, a nutrient that might protect a person against heart disease.
(With inputs from Nishtha
Gokhru, nutrition expert)