Is Almond Milk Good for Weight Loss? Health Benefits of the Plant-Based Beverage

Almond milk is a nut-based beverage beloved for its mild nutty flavor. It is naturally free from dairy and lactose, making it a perfect milk alternative for lactose intolerant individuals, people with milk allergies, and those following the vegan diet.

Similar to regular dairy milk, you can use almond milk for various purposes, from coffee to baking. Aside from providing a dairy-free alternative, some people drink almond milk purely for its nutritional benefits.

Cow’s milk has more calories than other kinds of milk. So, for those trying to lose weight, switching to plant-based drinks may support the weight loss journey. There are plenty of options, such as soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk.

As a firm favorite on the market, this article identifies the weight loss potential of almond milk.

What Is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is a plant-based drink made from grounded almonds and filtered water. It is naturally rich in several vital nutrients, including vitamin E. Enriched almond milk has additional supplements such as vitamin D, calcium, and protein to mimic the nutritional value of cow’s milk.

You can find variations on the market, including sweetened and unsweetened almond milk. Some people prefer to make homemade almond milk from scratch to avoid added sugar.

4 Amazing Benefits of Almond Milk

Let’s take a closer look at how almond milk may be advantageous to your health.

#1 Low in carbohydrates

Unsweetened almond milk is naturally low in carbs, with 3.43g in one cup. A low-carb diet can aid weight loss by transitioning the body into burning body fat for energy instead of glucose.

If you’re limiting your carb intake, always choose unsweetened varieties of almond milk as the carb count increases with sweetened versions, which contain added sugar.

#2 Dairy-free and suitable for vegans

Almond milk is the ideal substitute for people with lactose intolerance as it is lactose-free. It’s also vegan, making it perfect for those following plant-based diets that want to eliminate dairy intake while continuing to get essential nutrients.

#3 Nutritious and low in calories

Almond milk is highly nutritious, with micronutrients including calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and copper. When fortified, almond milk is a good source of vitamin D, which is great for those with a vitamin D deficiency.

As it is low in calories, consuming it in place of whole or skim milk can support weight loss and weight management. Let’s look at the nutrition facts.

One cup of whole milk contains 146 calories, and a cup of skim milk contains 83.3 calories. In comparison, a cup of almond milk contains less than 40 calories. That’s more than half the number of calories found in skim milk.

#4 Good source of vitamin E

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds important for your brain, eyes, skin, immune system, and heart health. Consumption of this vitamin in the diet may reduce the risk of heart disease.

The DV (Daily Value) of vitamin E for adults is 15mg. There is 16.6mg in a glass of almond milk, providing more than 100% of the recommended intake. The amount of vitamin E may vary from brand to brand, but you can check the facts on the nutrition label.

How to Use Almond Milk

Almond milk is a versatile product that you can use the same way you would use whole or skim milk. You can replace your usual serving of cow’s milk with almond in your day-to-day life. Here are some examples of when you might use the plant-based beverage.

• Drink a tall glass on its own
• Splash in your tea and coffee
• Add it to smoothies
• Pour over your morning cereal
• Use it as a milk replacement in baking recipes
• Use in soups, sauces, and mashed potatoes
• Make non-dairy ice cream

FAQs

Conclusion

Unsweetened almond milk can be a healthy addition to a weight loss program. Replacing your usual servings of skim milk will slash your calories for the day while providing your body with a highly nutritious source. If you’re concerned about reducing your dairy intake, speak to your healthcare professional before making the switch.