(GoHealthier.com) – When it comes to power nutrition, experts are developing new ways to eat healthier. One of the newest trends is oat milk. Everyone seems to be on board, and it’s becoming one of the hottest plant-based foods to fly off the shelves. But is it really better than traditional cow’s milk? Let’s explore. Here are five benefits of drinking oat milk.
1. It’s Ideal For Dairy Allergy Sufferers
Dairy contains hormones and other ingredients like lactose, which may trigger allergies in some people. These reactions lead to gastrointestinal distress followed by bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Oat milk rarely brings on those symptoms — but for those who have a sensitivity to oats, it could trigger an immune system response. Keep that in mind when consuming it for the first time.
2. It’s Packed With Nutrients
Oat milk is trendy because of the many healthy ingredients for the heart, bones, and gut. It’s slightly higher in carbohydrates than other plant-based milk, giving it a pleasant sweetness that also pumps up the energy to get us through the day.
It’s packed with heart-healthy B2 and B12 vitamins, promoting good bone health and potentially lowering cholesterol. B12 not only helps boost energy levels and supports normal nerve function, but it may also enhance mood and sleep because it’s a cofactor in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
3. It Can Be Made Fresh
Oat milk tends to lose nutritional qualities during processing. It has the most benefits when produced fresh and consumed quickly. Processing may also introduce preservatives and stabilizing agents.
While oat milk is available commercially, making it at home might provide a fresher, more nutritious experience. Many recipes are available, but it’s essentially oats and water blended until smooth and strained through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. It’s a great way to get quality nutrition quickly and easily.
4. It’s a Vegan Option
While convenience is a huge plus, oat milk is also a perfect vegan choice, too. It provides those who follow a plant-based diet with a sustainable, healthy choice without a lot of waste. Not only is it delicious on its own, but it can be incorporated into several recipes and foods in place of dairy, allowing vegans more diversity.
5. It Offers a Unique Taste
Many people may wonder whether oat milk tastes good. Those who are a fan of oats and cow’s milk may enjoy oat milk. According to EatingWell, it has the consistency of dense milk (think whole or vitamin D fortified) with a slightly sweet, oat-tinged flavor. It pairs perfectly in cereal, coffee, or other ready-to-eat items. The light, pleasant taste makes it easy to drink on its own.
Oats are a staple in the grain food group and tend to enrich our diets with B vitamins (up to 50% of B12 and 46% of B2), Vitamin D, and calcium. Even though many trends come and go, oat milk is likely to stick around. It beats the often troubling effects of dairy and nut milk. If you’re looking for a change, oat milk might be worth a try.
~Here’s to a Healthier Life!
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