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Sure,
homogenization and pasteurization can kill most of the bacteria,
but these processes also destroy the nutrients present in the
milk. What is left behind is nothing more than a 'dead beverage'
with high amount of pesticides and other dangerous chemicals
in it. Is this what you want to feed your body with?
With that said, the nutritional
advantage of milk cannot be ignored either. Researchers at University
of Tennessee found that overweight people who drank milk thrice
a day lost more belly fat than those whose milk consumption was
lower. Also, besides providing high amounts of calcium, milk
is one of the best muscle foods too.
Milk proteins can be broken
down into - Whey (20%) and Casein (80%). While whey is a 'fast
protein' and is quickly absorbed into the blood stream, Casein
takes time to get digested and offers a steady supply of protein
for your body. No wonder, body builders and sportsperson swear
by the health benefits of milk.
So what is the best way to obtain
the complete nutrition from milk, while keeping the various risks
and dangers at bay? Health experts and nutritionists suggest
that the best option is to consume milk other than animal's (goat,
cow, camel) milk.
Here is a look at the different
alternatives to Dairy Milk available for our consumption:
RAW MILK
While raw milk is still cow's
or sheep's milk, it is in the natural unaltered form. Raw milk
is neither pasteurized nor homogenized, nor is it heated beyond
the animal's highest body temperature. With no additives and
chemicals added, the nutrients in raw milk remain intact.
There are basically two types
of raw milk - one meant to be consumed directly from organically-reared
cows and another that absolutely needs to be pasteurized to be
made fit for consumption. The ideal raw milk is certainly the
one taken straight from organically-reared animals.
Nutrient Breakdown for Raw Milk:
* Water 87.3%
* Milk Fats 3.9%
* Milk Solids 8.8%
Here's a look at some of the
major health benefits of Raw Milk -
* Contains 20 of the Basic Amino
Acids
* Contains Lactoferrin, a iron-binding
protein
* Rich in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic
Acid), a polyunsaturated fatty acid which offers a wide array
of health benefits
* Rich-source of Vitamins and
Minerals including Calcium
* Contains Healthy Bacteria
ALMOND MILK
Almond milk, as the name suggests
is obtained by finely grinding soaked almonds. Almond milk has
been a popular beverage since the medieval times. It is a healthy
and tasty substitute to animal milk.
Some of the amazing health benefits
offered by almond milk are:
* Free of Lactose and Cholesterol
* Rich in Vitamin A, B and E
* Improves digestion, strengthens
the muscular tissues and lowers the risk of cataracts, heart
diseases and cancer
* Contains various nutrients
including Protein, Copper and Magnesium
* Blood Sugar Friendly
* Rich in Arginine, a non-essential
amino acid that assists in a variety of functions
* Excellent for your skin and
hair
* Provides 30% of the recommended
daily value of calcium and 25% of Vitamin D
Almond milk contains many more
nutrients than normal dairy milk, and is a potent alternative
for those with soy or lactose allergies.
SOY MILK
Soy milk is an extract of soya
beans, which are known for their incredible health benefits.
It is dairy-free and works as a wonderful alternative to animal
milk. A wide range of flavors are now available in Soy milk and
its popularity is growing at a fast pace.
Consume soy in moderation as
the estrogen-mimicking compounds can have a negative effect if
over consumed.
Here's a look at the different
health benefits of Soy Milk -
* Helps in lowering cholesterol
- Soy milk contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
(good fats), which include omega-6 and plant omega-3 fatty acids.
Daily consumption of Soy milk can significantly lower cholesterol
levels in the blood
* Rich in Isoflavones - Isoflavones
are powerful antioxidants that provide protection against heart
diseases, cancer and osteoporosis.
* Rich source of Protein - Soy
milk is one of the richest sources of plant-based protein, and
is ideal for those who engage in body building or strenuous activities.
* High in Vitamin B12 - Soy
milk can be a good source of vitamin B12 for those who avoid
dairy products and eggs.
* Low in carbohydrates and saturated
fats - The low fat content and carbohydrates in Soy milk contribute
to weight loss, while providing complete nutrition.
* Rich in lecithin, iron and
other essential minerals
* Contains No-Lactose or Hormones
Even though soy has benefits
we recommend staying away from it.
HEMP MILK
Hemp Seed Milk is made from
soaked hemp seeds, which upon grinding yield a creamy milky liquid.
Hemp milk has gained widespread popularity due to its health
benefits and high nutritional value. Hemp milk is extracted by
pulverizing the soaked hemp seeds, blending them with water and
then filtering the liquid out.
Nutrient Breakdown for Hemp
Milk (per liter of milk):
* 800 mg Omega 3
* 2600 mg Omega 6
* All 10 Essential Amino Acids
* 4 Grams of Digestible Protein
* Vitamin A, D, E, B12, Riboflavin
and Folic Acid
* Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc
and Iron
* 46% of RDA Value of Calcium
Now that you know the various
minerals and nutrients present in Hemp milk, here are some benefits
offered by these:
* Vitamin E works as an antioxidant
and protects against free radical damage
* Amino acids are the building
blocks of proteins, and are critical for a variety of body functions
* Magnesium is needed by each
organ of the body for enzyme activation, production of energy
and regulation of different nutrients in the body
* Hemp milk is extracted from
hemp seeds, and is free from cholesterol, trans fats, gluten
and soy
* Strengthens the immune system
* Increases focus and mental
capacity
COCONUT MILK
Coconut milk is mainly used
in Asian cooking and for preparing desserts. It is a sweet, milky
white stuff derived from a tender coconut. The process of extraction
is a little time consuming, as you need to first shred the inside
flesh of the coconut, grind it with water and then extract the
milk from it.
The pearl white color and sweet
taste of coconut milk can be attributed to the high oil content
and sugars present in it. Just like coconut is considered the
'miracle food' because of its numerous health benefits, coconut
milk too can be a healthy addition to your daily diet.
Health Benefits of Coconut Milk
* Largely made up of short and
medium-chain fatty acids that are quickly used up as energy and
do not get stored as body fat. Research shows that intake of
Coconut milk can actually assist in weight loss
* Rich in Lauric acid, an essential
fatty acid required for building and maintaining the body's immune
system. In fact, coconut milk is at par with human mother's milk
in terms of its Lauric acid content.
* Highly nutritious and a storehouse
of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes
* Coconut milk is a dairy-free
alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic
to animal milk.
* It is also Gluten-free, Nut-free
and Soy-free
* Effectively treats skin problems
and allergies
While there are unlimited alternatives
to animal milk, it is best to take your pick from the major ones
mentioned above. These are rich in nutrients, safe for daily
consumption and are great for your taste buds as well. |
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