Got Almond Milk?
By Donna Kostiew
It seems like lately, I am finding a common item in the refrigerators of all my friends who are health conscious. When I am at their homes, I see them use it to make their post-workout smoothies, I see them offer it to their children, and it wasn’t until I saw one of them pour it into their cereal bowl that I finally asked “why?”
“Why are you drinking and using so much almond milk?”
I knew that it was good for you, but I didn’t really look into why until I had asked that question. Turns out, almond milk isn’t just good for you. It’s actually pretty great.
Milk vs. Almond Milk
Most everyone has access to regular, common cow's milk, and although almond milk wasn’t that popular several years ago, it is becoming more common as the years go by. Now, you can go to almost any market or grocery store and find a carton pretty easily. So why pay extra when they are both on the shelf, side-by-side, and we grew up being taught that milk is good for us? Well, milk is known to be full of vitamins and minerals … true … but almond milk has also been shown to contain a ton of its own nutrients as well. It’s a great option for those who do not consume any form of dairy, who have allergies or intolerances, or who are vegans.
Benefits of Drinking More Almond Milk
There are many benefits to go nuts about almond milk.
- Reduces blood pressure
- Maintains a healthy heart
- Strengthens muscles
- Improves kidney health
- Boosts immunity
- Improves the appearance of skin
- Strengthens bones
- Suppresses the growth of certain cancers
- Improves vision
Not only is almond milk great for your health as an alternative to cow’s milk, but it is extremely versatile too! You can use it to replace milk in most of your recipes, add it to your smoothies, use it in your coffee and tea, or just drink it as is. And unlike milk, this is something that you can even attempt to make at home … unless you want to have a cow in your backyard all of the time.
But for those who enjoy the perks of a little work, and tons of variety, there are plenty of options on the shelf in the store. So give it a try the next time you are shopping. With all of the choices offered, this is definitely one item on your shopping list that you can be a little picky with.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in The Woodlands, Tex.