What Is Almond Milk?

Food
on May 17, 2012

Almond milk, a lactose-free milk, contains no animal products or cholesterol and is rich in calcium and magnesium. The Mayo Clinic defines lactose intolerance as the inability to digest fully the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. Switching out dairy milk for a product such as almond milk may be beneficial for someone suffering from lactose intolerance. Almond milk is considered vegan as well, making it an option for anyone who does not ingest animal products.

How is almond milk made? Commercial almond milk typically is made by lightly roasting and then grinding whole almonds before blending the nuts with filtered water and other ingredients. Some commercial almond milk products may contain added sweetener and flavoring, as well as added vitamins such as A, B2, B12 and D. Consumers can find unsweetened almond milk that does not contain any sweetener or sugar and will be lower in calories than almond milk with added sugars, natural or otherwise.

Make it at home. Almond milk can be made at home with minimal ingredients. You can make two quarts of homemade almond milk with only two to four ingredients. Nine ounces of raw, unpasteurized almonds need to be soaked overnight with six cups of cold, filtered water in a container with a lid that fits tight. In the morning, transfer the almonds and water to a blender. Add vanilla extract or agave syrup if you wish for additional flavoring or sweetness. Blend the ingredients for about two minutes and then enjoy the almond milk over cereal or in a smoothie.

Benefits. Almonds are a nutrient-dense food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s nutrient database, a 1-ounce serving of blanched (unsalted) almonds contains 6 grams protein, 2.8 grams dietary fiber, 67 milligrams calcium, 76 milligrams magnesium and zero cholesterol. Drinking almond milk, especially homemade almond milk, can be a healthy choice, as it provides heart-healthy fats without any cholesterol. Because almond milk does not contain any lactose, it may be an alternative for anyone with lactose intolerance.

Does almond milk have any negatives? Tree nut allergies, which include almonds, are one of the top eight foods that account for 90 percent of all food allergic reactions, reports the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Anyone with a nut allergy or sensitivity should consult with a doctor before consuming almond milk. Commercial almond milk can contain ingredients such as locust bean gum and gellan gum. Both ingredients undergo various processing, which may be a negative for anyone reducing or eliminating processed ingredients from a diet.

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