Almond Milk: Health Benefits and How to Make It

When many people hear “milk” they think of cow’s milk. But did you know there are many other types of milk aside from cow’s milk? Almond milk is one of those types of milk that is becoming increasingly popular for its multitude of benefits. In this article, we’ll look at what almond milk is, its health benefits, and how you can make it at home.

What is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is a plant-based milk made from ground almonds and filtered water. It’s lactose-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and can be gluten-free depending on the brand (make sure to check the label). The ingredients are usually organic – meaning they are grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. The almonds are generally soaked in a combination of filtered water and sea salt before blending. The almond milk is strained to remove the almond solids and the remaining liquid is what we get as almond milk.

Health Benefits of Almond Milk

The primary benefit associated with almond milk is its low calorie count, making it an excellent choice for weight-conscious individuals. One cup of almond milk has only 60 calories, compared to 146 calories in one cup of whole cow’s milk. Almond milk is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Almond milk can also be beneficial for people with food sensitivities or allergies. Since almond milk is free of dairy, it’s much better for individuals with lactose intolerance or other dairy allergies than cow’s milk. Almond milk is also lower in saturated fat than cow’s milk.

Finally, almond milk is a great source of healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids which can help with reducing inflammation, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving brain health.

How to Make Almond Milk at Home

Making almond milk at home is really easy. All you need is some raw, unsalted almonds, a blender, and a nut milk bag (or a fine cheesecloth or other alternative).

To make almond milk, start by soaking the almonds in a bowl of water overnight (or 8 hours). This will soften the nuts and make them easier to blend. After they are soaked, rinse the almonds and then place them in a blender with some filtered water. Blend until the almonds are completely broken down and smooth, then strain the mixture using a nut milk bag (or cheesecloth). This will remove the almond solids and leave you with a creamy, delicious milk.

Once you have the milk, you can customize it with a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or a pinch of sea salt. You can store your homemade almond milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Almond milk is a great dairy alternative that has many benefits – including its low calorie count, high nutrition levels, and a range of health benefits including helping with inflammation and reducing cholesterol levels. Thanks to the ease of making it at home, you can enjoy a glass of healthy, homemade almond milk in just a few minutes.