We were all brought up to think milk was one of the most important parts of a healthy diet. The truth is, back then it probably was. Unfortunately, nowadays modern conventional agriculture hasn’t been treating the cows so well.
Store bought dairy comes from cows that have been pumped full of harmful antibiotics, hormones and pesticides. These contaminants inevitably end up in the milk that is bottled and sold to us in stores. Cows milk can be particularly harmful for expecting and breastfeeding mothers and is also linked to causing cancer and severe allergies in many cases.
If you can’t give up cow’s milk for a healthier alternative, then try visiting the farmers market where you might be able to find organic and sometimes even raw unpasteurized milk. These choices are much better for your health and help support our local farmers. Even better for the environment, our health and taste, is making our own milk.
Some homemade milk alternatives include almond, cashew, coconut and hempseed. Making them fresh at home, I am able to flavor them just the way I like. The best part is homemade nut milks don’t contain the sugars, gums, corn syrup and cancer causing carrageenan found in store bought, watered down containers and they are much better for our health. Be sure to choose raw, organic nuts to avoid chemicals, produce the best flavor and ensure maximum nutrient content.
Cows milk is known for its high content of various vitamins and minerals but almonds have been proven to contain extra nutrients. Almond milk is also low in fat, but high in energy, proteins, lipids and fiber. It contains lots of essential vitamins like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Other nutrients include vitamins C, B-6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamin E, which all have various benefits that are essential for a healthy body.
Cashew milk’s nutrition is very similar to that of any nut, including almonds. However, cashews have a unique ability to help manage the effects of depression. The softness of cashews makes preparing the milk super easy and some recipes don’t even require you to strain.
Aside from tasting great, the unique fatty acids in coconut milk may aid in weight loss, improve immune function, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall skin and hair health. While all fats help the body feel full and satiate the brain receptors that control appetite, the fat in coconut milk increases metabolism and promotes weight loss on a reduced-calorie diet.
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, antimicrobial lipids and capric acid, which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which may fight the viruses and bacteria that cause herpes, influenza and even HIV. It is also believed that the ketones contained in coconut oil help break down fats and play a critical role in healthy brain functioning by preventing dementias like Alzheimer’s.
Plain organic hemp milk contains no sugar or cholesterol. For many people, these factors make it an obvious choice as a nut free alternative that provides abundant nutrients and a variety of health benefits.
Hempseed milk is a popular alternative because it tastes great, is loaded with nutrients and is the best choice for the environment. Organic hemp crops require very little water to grow and produce very bountiful harvests. Hemp plants even help regenerate the soil and improve the environment. Locally harvested hempseed is becoming available in many regions around the country where it is now commercially grown.
Try them all and see what best pleases your tastebuds. Being healthy and environmentally conscious is getting easier and becoming fun to explore.