The Many Health Benefits of Almond Milk

Almond milk is loaded with nutritional and lifestyle benefits that we should all be paying attention to, IF you get the unsweetened kind.  Some of almond milk's benefits include:

• Almond milk is dairy-free and can be used as an alternative for dairy and soy milk.
• Almond milk can help with weight loss and management.
• Almond milk is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or simply want to avoid dairy products.
• Almond milk is a good option for those who have an allergy to cow’s milk or soy.
• Almond milk is a good choice for those who make protein drinks and smoothies as it is more rich and creamy than cow's milk, and provides a thicker consistency than just using water as many people do.
• Almond milk is low in calories (about 30 calories per cup vs about 130 calories per cup in 1% cow's milk).
• Almond milk is a good option for vegans.
• Almond milk has a vast amount of health and nutritional benefits, which are outlined below...

The Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk is popular amongst almond milk lovers; it has 0 grams of sugar (compared to about 15 grams of sugar per cup of cow's milk). Costco carries their own Kirkland brand of Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk but the Blue Diamond Almond Breeze has a bit more nutrional value and a slightly thicker consistency (which is good for protein drinks and smoothies). The Environmental World Group (EWG) provides some very useful information on different kinds of almond milks.

Some Nutritional Information About Almond Milk

Almond milk is low in fat, which makes it an ideal option if you’re trying to lose weight. It is also a very good energy booster. Other nutrients that are present in almond milk are: iron, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Almond milk is also a rich source of folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, Vitamin E, niacin and thiamine. All of the above nutrients are essential for the human body and these nutrients are required on a daily basis. The nutritional value of almond milk is equivalent to rice milk.

The Top 6 Health Benefits of Almond Milk...

Immune System Booster - Almond milk is great for boosting the immune system. Our immune systems play an important role in keeping our bodies germ-free. A weak immune system can lead to serious diseases and illnesses.

Cardiovascular Health - Since almond milk is cholesterol-free and has no saturated fat, it can help with preventing certain cardiovascular disease, strengthening your cardiovascular health, and is also good for lowering cholesterol levels.

Keeps Bones Strong - Almond can be a good source of calcium, but it's because the manufacturer fortifies the milk by adding calcium, which is not uncommon in the food industry. Therefore, almond milk can help keep your bones strong and healthy; it is a good option for seniors to maintain their bone health - and for anyone who doesn't like other kinds of milk.

Good for Vision - In this day and age we are constantly using our computers, smartphones and watching television; all of this can have a negative impact on our vision. Almond milk can help those who work in offices and those who are constantly in front of an electronic screen.

Maintains Blood Pressure Levels - For those who battle high blood pressure, almond milk is a health benefit. Because it contains no cholesterol (the fat that can clog your arteries and lead to high blood pressure), almond milk can help manage blood pressure levels.

Keeps Your Skin Healthy - Almond milk is a great beauty product and some stores even sell almond milk skin-cleansing products. Due to almond milk's vitamin E and antioxidants, it can help maintain healthy skin and also repair damaged skin.

Get yourself some unsweetened almond milk and give it a try. Drink it plain. Use it in cereal. Make a protein drink or smoothie with it. If you're already an almond milk drinker then keep up the good work, you're doing your body a great service! Just check that you're using an unsweetened version to avoid excess sugar intake. Cheers.

~ Here's to Your Health and Wellness