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ELL B EING
THE LOWDOWN ON DAIRY-FREE MILKS How do the alternatives stack up against good old-fashioned moo-juice? BY SANITARIUM HEALTH & WELLBEING
ALMOND MILK
Fans of almond milk continue to 52
SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • APRIL 2019
grow worldwide, with many attracted to its nutty taste, making it a great option for fruit smoothies, cereals and both sweet and savoury cooking. Almond milk tends to be lower in kilojoules than dairy milk and is lower in saturated fat, making it an effective choice for weight control or management. SOY MILK
Soy milk is the nutritional king of the alternative aisle, according to a new study by Canada’s McGill University. Researchers analysed the nutritional value of four commonly consumed plant-based milks (soy, rice, almond and coconut) and compared them to cow’s milk. Researchers identified soy milk as the closest to cow’s milk in terms of overall nutrient balance and it also contained the most protein of all the milk alternatives. Soy milk typically has a thicker consistency than other milks, and has a less sweet flavour, so it’s a good bet for cooking or savoury dishes.
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kinny soy frappes, almond milk breakfast bowls—whatever your flavour, there’s no doubt the number of people searching for dairyfree milk alternatives is on the rise. So why are people opting to kiss cow’s milk goodbye? Lactose intolerance and milk allergies are the obvious reasons; for others, the decision may stem from a personal concern for the environment or animal rights, or simply come down to taste preference. There are also several health benefits associated with eating a predominantly plant-based diet that may include dairy-free milks, with studies showing improved digestion, increased energy, lower body mass index and an improvement in overall physical function. Here’s the lowdown on the most common dairy alternatives, and whichever you choose, consider whether it’s fortified with calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
