Among the many plant-based milk replacers, oat milk is becoming more common on supermarket shelves due to its delicious taste and impressive nutritional profile.
But is oat milk healthy? It’s good for you? We’ll dive into the details to find out. Firstly, it is suitable for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, as it is naturally free of dairy, lactose, soy, nuts and gluten. Oats are naturally gluten free. Once you know the benefits and potential side effects of oat milk, you can also learn how to make one with just two ingredients.
What is oat milk?
Oat milk is a vegan alternative to cow’s milk that has gained popularity recently. To make it, blend one cup of old-fashioned soaked oats in a blender with about three cups of water, then pour the liquid through cheesecloth to extract the milk. Depending on the oat milk recipe you are using, you can also add cinnamon, vanilla, dates, or other natural sweeteners to enhance the flavor.
Thanks to its growing popularity, oat milk is now available pre-made at many grocery stores and health food markets. Food manufacturers have not only made it easier than ever to consume this type of milk, but they often add additional vitamins and minerals to create a product rich in micronutrients found in cow’s milk, such as vitamin A, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin D.
Plant-based milk has long been used as an alternative to conventional milk by people with allergies or dietary restrictions, as well as those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products.
For many years, soymilk has been a leader in plant-based milk alternatives due to its long shelf life, nutrient density, and versatility. Along with soy, oat and almond milk, newer varieties are also available, such as hemp milk, coconut milk, rice milk and hazelnut milk, each providing its own unique set of health benefits and nutrients.
nutritional facts
Oat milk is relatively low in calories but contains protein and is generally fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin D. Commercial varieties may also contain additional ingredients used to extend shelf life and improve flavor. Please note that the nutrition of homemade oat milk may be slightly different and may have fewer micronutrients added by food manufacturers.
One cup of oat milk contains approximately
120 calories
16 grams of carbohydrates
3 grams of protein
5 grams of fat
2 grams of dietary fiber
1.2 micrograms of vitamin B12 (50% of the daily value)
0.6 milligrams of riboflavin (45% of daily intake)
350 milligrams of calcium (25% of the daily value)
100 international units of vitamin D (25% of the daily intake)
269 milligrams of phosphorus (20% of the daily requirement)
500 international units of vitamin A (10% of the daily value)
1.8 milligrams of iron (10% of the daily requirement)
115 milligrams of sodium (5 percent DV)
Oat milk benefits
1. Lactose-free and vegan
Whether you’re avoiding conventional milk to minimize your intake of animal products or because the lactose in milk isn’t right for your stomach, oat milk is a good alternative. Made from oats and water, it is dairy and lactose free, making it an ideal substitute for those with dietary restrictions and following a dairy-free diet. Like other nut milks, it can easily be substituted for milk in many recipes. You can use it in cold desserts like sundaes, or even add it to your morning bowl of cereal for a quick and convenient vegan milk alternative.
2. Strengthens the bones
Commercial oat milk is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, two important micronutrients that play a central role in bone health. About 99% of the calcium in your body is in your bones. Vitamin D, on the other hand, promotes calcium absorption and supports bone health. Increased intake of calcium and vitamin D is often recommended in the treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis, to maintain strong bones. According to a medical journal, low levels of calcium and vitamin D can lead to increased breakdown of bone cells, as well as increased risk of weak bones and fractures. Many types of oat milk on the market also contain good amounts of vitamin B12. This vitamin can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
3. Boosts immunity
When you’re feeling a bit tired, oat milk might not be the first thing you reach for. However, you can start incorporating it into your diet on a regular basis to help boost your immune system. Most commercial oat milks are an excellent source of vitamin D and vitamin A, two essential nutrients for boosting immunity and preventing disease and infection. Studies show that vitamin D is directly linked to immune cell function, and a deficiency may even be associated with increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Likewise, vitamin A can alter the immune response and help improve the results of certain types of infectious diseases.
4. Lowers cholesterol
Oats are well known for their heart health benefits and their ability to control cholesterol levels. This is because it contains a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to have powerful cholesterol-lowering properties. Interestingly, research has found that the beneficial effects of beta-glucan in oats are maintained even in oat drinks, such as oat milk. A human study published in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism found that consuming oat milk for five weeks significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol, to a greater extent than rice milk. Another study conducted by the Department of Applied Nutrition and Food Chemistry at Lund University, Sweden, found similar results, indicating that consuming oat milk for just four weeks reduced cholesterol levels in healthy subjects.
Recipe to make at home
How to make oat milk? It’s very simple with this oat milk recipe:
Soak a cup of oats in water for 30 minutes.
Mix with three cups of water.
Blend in a food processor.
Using a cloth, filter the milk and taste it.
For maximum freshness, consume milk within three days of preparation.
How to use oat milk
Wondering where to buy oat milk? Although not as easy to find as other milk alternatives, such as almond milk or soy milk, it is becoming more widely available due to its recent rise in popularity. You can usually find it near other milks in the health food section of your local store. You can also find some brands of oat milk on online shopping sites. Be sure to look for a sugar-free variety and check the ingredients label carefully to choose a product with minimal added ingredients.
If you’re having trouble finding oat milk, you can also try making your own. This not only gives you full control over your ingredients, but also allows you to make your oat milk unsweetened and preservative-free.
The potential uses for oat milk are many. You can replace it with regular milk in your cereal and oatmeal or use it to make certain types of desserts that don’t require baking, like pudding or ice cream. You can also use it in your favorite drinks and add it to your morning smoothie, tea, or coffee. Just be sure to avoid heating this milk directly, as it can thicken and develop a gelatinous texture.
Precautions and Side Effects
Oat milk can be a lactose-free, healthy, vegan alternative to conventional milk, but there are some negatives to consider as well.
While buying your own oat milk can save you time, commercial varieties are often full of additives, preservatives, and sugars that can diminish some of their beneficial health properties. While it often contains added vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial, some brands of oat milk may also contain thickeners and emulsifiers that can affect digestive health and disrupt the gut microbiome.
Also, while oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also process other gluten-containing grains, such as wheat or barley, leading to cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you should opt for certified gluten-free oats or oat milk to avoid cross-contamination.
Oat milk is also not as naturally nutrient-dense as conventional milk. Although an enriched variety is a good source of many of the vitamins and minerals found in milk and can be a good nutritional substitute for milk, making your own oat milk at home can ensure that you get these important vitamins and minerals from other sources in your diet. diet. When shopping for oat milk, look for brands that are unsweetened and have minimal added ingredients. This preserves the health benefits and nutritional content and reduces the risk of unwanted side effects caused by additional ingredients, such as preservatives or additives.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
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oatmeal oat milk without gluten