Are You Choosing Unhealthy Oat Milk?
By Sara Butler
Many people are exploring the ways they can use milk alternatives to get healthy. One of the most popular alternatives right now is oat milk.
Oat milk is a great option for a lot of people who need or want to avoid milk such as anyone with a dairy intolerance or allergy, or those choosing to eat vegan. And while oat milk is healthy, there are some traps that can make oat milk an unhealthy alternative. Here are a few things you should avoid the next time you're shopping for oat milk.
Mistake No. 1: Choosing Oat Milk With Added Sugar
Sugar can sneak into a lot of foods and oat milk is no exception. Often, sugar is used to enhance flavor but that doesn't make it good for you. Too much sugar can have a negative impact on your health which is why you want to make sure to limit it to no more than about 25 or so grams of added sugar per day in your diet.
Make sure to check the nutrition label on your favorite oat milk so you know if it's got what you want -- and what you don't want. Aim for zero grams of added sugar in your oat milk since it's naturally sweet.
Mistake No. 2: Choosing Flavored Oat Milk
A little flavor may seem like a good thing. Who doesn't love a glass of chocolate milk or oat milk every once in a while? But you should be warned that flavored oat milk is going to have a lot of added sugar and salt, far more than unsweetened and unflavored oat milk. Make sure whatever oat milk you choose has less than 140 milligrams of salt per servings according to the nutrition label.
Mistake No. 3: You Aren't Buying Fortified Oat Milk
If you're using oat milk as a substitute for dairy milk, then it's important that you are buying a variety that is fortified with minerals and vitamins you need. Always look for oat milk that is fortified with:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium
Mistake No. 4: Buying Oat Milk With Preservatives
Make sure you stay on the lookout for oat milk that has a lot of added preservatives. Many of the different types of oat milk for purchase that are shelf-stable are full of additives that are not good for you. Find an oat milk that is less processed and doesn't have a lot of stuff you don't need. The fewer ingredients, the better.
Oat milk is a great choice. But make sure you're getting all the health benefits from it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mission Viejo, Calif.