I have many patients who are intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk and for them life can be difficult at times. So what are the alternatives – you can either have soy, rice, oat or almond and my favourite is definitely almond. It is actually the creamiest tasting of all the alternatives and has the best nutritional profile as well. Best of all, you can make it at home in as little as 15 minutes!
Why not try some almond milk instead of your usual milk and let me know how you find it. If anyone has a good recipe for almond pulp, feel free to send it i!
Health Benefits of Almond Milk
Almond milk is rich in Vitamin E, a known antioxidant, and thus, is believed to good for those undergoing detoxification programs.
Almond milk contains high levels of unsaturated fat and has been associated with lower risk of heart attack.
Almond milk has been found to contain little to no saturated fat and no cholesterol, making it extremely good for those suffering from high cholesterol problem.
Almond milk does not contain lactose. This makes it easily digestible and the perfect alternative for those suffering from lactose-intolerance.
Owing to the absence of saturated fats and presence of unsaturated fats, almond milk is great for those trying to lose weight.
Nutritional Facts about Almond Milk
Almond milk is rich in protein and omega fatty acids
Almonds milk does not contain cholesterol and saturated fats
Almonds milk has high levels of vitamin E and unsaturated fats
Almond milk contains minerals such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron.237ml of almond milk contains 70 calories, 2gm protein, 10gm carbohydrates and 2.5 gm fat: 2.5g
Almond milk has zero fibre.
Method to make Almond Milk
- Place 1 cup almonds in a glass jar. These must be organic as non organic almonds are heavily sprayed.
- Cover with 4 cups water.
- Tightly close the jar.
- Refigerate for 1 day or no more than 2 days.
- Pour into blender and blend until smooth.
- Strain liquid from pulp through cheesecloth, applying pressure to squeeze out all liquid.
- Retain the almond paste pulp for other uses – I always suggest baking some muffins or Anzac biscuits with almond pulp for extra protein
- You can use a variety of natural sweeteners such as dates, agave nectar, vanilla beans or Stevia.
