Why is Almond Milk Bad for You?

October 21, 2023 Odiraa

Why is almond milk bad for you?

One food that is thought to be goitrogenic is almond milk.

This indicates that consuming high amounts of it can cause thyroid damage due to the substances it contains.

If you have low thyroid function, you should either avoid almond milk entirely or use it sparingly.

Even if it has been determined that plant-based milk can still be marketed as “milk,” the majority of us may still associate the term with cow’s milk, although this is a different beverage.

Any plant-based milk will typically consist of water combined with plant-based proteins, lipids, and carbs.

The beverage may be magically made to look creamy, just like dairy milk by food experts.

This article covers almond milk benefits and side effects.

Almond milk side effects

Almond milk is generally considered healthful; however, it’s advisable to be aware of certain specific adverse effects. Some of these include:

Gastric issues: Consuming an excessive amount of vital nutrients and minerals from almonds might lead to digestive difficulties like nausea, dysentery, stomach discomfort, and bowel troubles.

It may conflict with your prescriptions and cause significant gastrointestinal distress in certain individuals.

Nut allergies: Those who are allergic to nuts shouldn’t drink almond milk.

Almond milk should also be avoided by people who are lactose intolerant.

High blood sugar: The most evident drawback of commercially made almond milk is that it has more sugar than cow’s milk.

Thyroid impact: Almond milk is regarded as a goitrogenic meal.

This indicates that consuming high amounts of it can cause thyroid damage due to the substances it contains.

If you have low thyroid function, you should either avoid almond milk entirely or use it sparingly.

Not safe for babies: almond milk is not the best type of milk.

It shouldn’t be used in place of breast milk or formula because it doesn’t provide the proper amounts of nourishment for a baby.

Other side effects of almond milk include:

Skin irritations
Intestinal problems
Problems with breathing and respiration
Digestion issues
Allergies to almond milk may also cause symptoms like breathing difficulties, wheezing, and runny nose.
Almond milk may have carrageenan in it.
Maybe it’s not the greatest option for your coffee.
You won’t get enough calcium.
There is hardly much protein in almond milk.
Almond milk has negative environmental effects.

Almond milk side effects on kidneys

Individuals who are at risk of kidney stones should avoid consuming large quantities of almond milk.

This occurs as a result of homemade almond milk’s typically high calcium oxalate level.

Carrageenan, a thickening that some manufacturers add to commercial almond milk products, is another issue that worries some individuals.

What is almond milk?

Almond milk is mostly composed of water and ground almonds, though some varieties may contain additional components.

Although it can be easily manufactured at home, most people buy it already prepared.

Almonds and water are combined and then filtered to extract pulp during processing. This leaves the liquid smooth.

To enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life, thickeners, preservatives, and flavorings are typically added to most commercial almond milk.

Since almond milk is inherently dairy-free, it can be consumed by anybody who is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products.

Although they originate from the Middle East, almonds are loved all over the world.

The nuts are crushed into flour, consumed as snacks, and occasionally made into dairy-free, velvety milk.

Some people adore its nutty flavor.

The almond milk can be used in recipes that call for any type of plant-based milk, or it can be drunk on its own.

The milk has some amazing health benefits in addition to its delicious flavor.

Almond milk nutrition

Almond milk has an extremely low-calorie content (only 39 calories per cup, or 240 ml) when compared to other plant-based beverages and cow’s milk.

It also has a variety of nutrients. A cup (240 ml) of store-bought almond milk yields:

Calcium: 24% of the Daily Value (DV)
Calories: 39
Carbs: 3.5 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Fiber: 0.5 grams
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Vitamin D: 18% of the DV
Vitamin E: 110% of the DV

How to make your almond milk

To produce almond milk at home, try this easy recipe.

Ingredients needed:

280 grams, or 2 cups, of soaked almonds
One liter or four glasses of water
One teaspoon (5 milliliters) of vanilla essence (optional)

The process is as follows:

Before using, soak the almonds in water for the entire night.
In a blender, process the almonds, water, and vanilla for one to two minutes or until the water becomes translucent and the almonds are finely chopped.
Transfer the mixture into a mesh strainer coated with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, and set over a bowl.
Make sure you apply pressure to extract the maximum amount of liquid. Almond milk should yield about 4 cups or 1 liter.
After transferring the drink to a serving container, refrigerate it for 4-5 days.

Tips for consuming almond milk

You can add your preferred almond milk to almost anything:

For a creamier in your coffee, use almond milk.
Add to smoothies by blending.
Almond milk can be added to overnight oats and oatmeal. Before serving, add a dusting of raw, slivered almonds to increase the amount of heart-healthy fats.
Use it to make plant-based ice cream and chia pudding.
Add unsweetened almond milk to savory casseroles, creamy soups, sauces, and mashed potatoes or cauliflower.
Almond milk is great on its own, either warm or cold.
Use it as the foundation for hot cocoa or golden turmeric milk.

Almond Milk vs. Dairy Milk

People mostly select plant milk to avoid dairy, whether as a result of a lactose intolerance, allergy, or desire to follow a plant-based diet.

Even plant-based milk fortified with vitamins B12 and D tends to have lower levels of these nutrients than dairy milk. Fortunately, if dairy is not an option for you, there are other ways to obtain vitamin B12 and D.

Dairy milk has more calories and carbs than plant-based milk, such as almond milk.

Additionally, cholesterol is a component of dairy milk that is absent from plant-based alternatives.

Almond milk and dairy milk have varied fat content as well.

Almond milk offers heart-healthy unsaturated fats, while dairy milk largely contains saturated fat.

The fact that almonds need a lot more water than other non-dairy milk plants has led to some criticism of almond milk.

It’s still less than what’s required for dairy products, though.

Dairy milk production uses nine times as much land and water.

Almond milk is preferable to dairy from a sustainability standpoint.

Dairy farming also adds to pollution, antibiotic resistance, climate change, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Almond Milk vs. Other Nondairy Milks

You might be asking now how almond milk compares to other non-dairy milk options. This is what science has managed to deduce.

Almond milk contains the most calcium out of all the non-dairy milk. It still lacks the calcium content of cow’s milk, though.

Almond beverages often have less sugar than grain beverages made with rice or oats.

Additionally, they possess among the highest levels of vitamin B12.

Furthermore, less than 5% of the daily dose of salt is found in the majority of almond beverages.

Is almond milk healthier than regular milk?

Richened almond milk products are rather nutritious, even if they are not as nutrient-dense as cow’s milk.

Their nutritional composition is more akin to that of ordinary milk because they typically contain additional protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Almond milk, however, is naturally high in several vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E.

Benefits of Almond Milk

Almonds are the primary component of almond milk, along with water.

Antioxidant vitamins are abundant in almonds, and some of these vitamins are retained in almond milk.

The health benefits of almond milk include:

Control of weight: Almond milk and, thus, almonds themselves may help with weight control.

This is due to the high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFAs, found in almonds.

Compared to raw almonds, almond milk doesn’t include nearly as much of these MUFAs.

To maximize the benefits of these good fats, supplement your diet with additional MUFAs from foods such as avocados, various nuts, and raw almonds.

Effects of antioxidants: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and one of the best places to get it is in almond milk.

Strong chemicals called antioxidants can stop or reduce specific forms of cell damage.

Abundant in vitamin E: Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for shielding your cells from harm caused by free radicals, is abundant in almonds.

In addition to promoting skin and eye health, vitamin E may help prevent diseases including heart disease.

Commercial almond milk offers 110% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E in only one cup (240 ml), making it a convenient and cost-effective method to meet your daily requirements.

Aids in preserving bone health: Almond milk has 30% of the daily required amount of calcium and 25% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin D, which lowers your risk of osteoporosis and arthritis and boosts your immune system.

However, it may not have as much calcium as cow’s milk.

Together, calcium and vitamin D support strong bones and teeth.

Aids in blood sugar maintenance: Because unsweetened almond milk has little carbohydrates, it won’t cause a blood sugar surge, reducing the risk of diabetes or helping people with the disease manage their blood sugar levels.

Carbs have a low glycemic index, which means that the body will use them for energy instead of storing them as fat, aiding in weight loss.

Other benefits of almond milk are:

It’s beneficial for those who either choose not to consume animal milk or are unable to do so because of an allergy or intolerance.
The majority of dairy-free milks have vitamin D added to them.
It frequently has fewer calories than ordinary milk (depending on the type of milk—whole versus skim).
Low-calorie intake
Since almond milk is manufactured from plants, it is suitable for vegans.
Enhances and preserves cardiac health
Enhances skin quality
Aids in healing and strengthening muscles
Aids in preserving intestinal health
Simple to prepare and store

Benefits of almond milk for females

Almond milk is a great source of calcium and vitamins, including A and E, which are crucial for women’s health. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin, soft tissues, mucous membranes, and bones, while calcium is necessary for strong bones.

Just as almond milk is beneficial generically, it is also beneficial to females in the following ways:

It is nourishing.
It contains a few calories.
Almond milk, in its unsweetened form, does not affect blood sugar levels.
It is free of dairy.
Your bones might get stronger with enhanced almond milk.
It might lower the chance of developing heart disease.
Almond milk with enrichment has a lot of vitamin D.

How to choose the best almond milk

Almond milk comes in a range of varieties at most local grocery stores.

Always check for the sugar-free option when making a purchase.

If you are concerned about the use of gums or emulsifiers, you can also choose a kind without these substances.

Finally, choose almond milk that has been fortified with calcium and vitamin D if you are worried about your nutrient intake and you follow a limited diet, such as veganism or vegetarianism.

Keep in mind that some local and homemade options might not include these nutrients.

Conclusion

If you’re trying to avoid dairy, almond milk is a terrific plant-based alternative.

The unsweetened variations have fewer calories and sugar and more vitamin E.

Nevertheless, almond milk lacks protein and some sweetened varieties may contain high levels of sugar.

If you like almond milk, make sure to get unflavored and unsweetened varieties.

You should also include more items high in protein in your diet, like fish, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Almond milk is a tasty beverage that seems healthy and safe on the surface.

But the points mentioned above paint a different picture!

Thus, it’s crucial to use almond milk sparingly and with caution; don’t incorporate it into your regular diet without first talking to your doctor.

By doing this, one can still enjoy it and even mitigate the effects of almond milk.

FAQs

Is almond milk fattening?

It has a few calories.

This implies that consuming large amounts of it won’t result in weight gain. In comparison to its calorie level, it is also rich in a few nutrients.

Almond milk producers dilute their product with water to achieve a fat concentration of approximately 1%, which is comparable to low-fat milk.

Can almond milk help you lose weight?

Unsweetened almond milk contains the fewest calories and supports a low-carb diet, per an NIH study.

Additionally, almonds are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which are thought to aid in weight loss and management.

Why is almond milk bad for your stomach?

Many people find that drinking almond milk gives them gastrointestinal distress because of the high fiber content and chemicals.

Nevertheless, there is conflicting and frequently situation-specific research relating almond milk to digestive issues.

Why is almond milk bad for your skin?

Acne and almond milk

According to research, eating a diet heavy in omega-6 fatty acids is associated with inflammation and acne.

Therefore, it follows that those who eat a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, such as those found in almond milk and other foods, may get acne.

Why is almond milk bad for your liver?

Are you trying to find a guilt-free, liver-loving snack? You only need to consider the modest almond.

Not only are these sweet, creamy nuts tasty, but they are also a great source of vitamin E, which is excellent for liver health.

Strong antioxidant vitamin E protects the liver from pollutants and fights free radicals.

Why is almond milk bad?

Due to their high oxalate content, soy, almond, and cashew milk might not be recommended if you have a history of kidney stones caused by calcium oxalate.

For more details on foods that contain oxalate, speak with your physician or renal dietitian.

What are the negative effects of almond milk?

Almond milk may cause certain adverse reactions.

But only nut allergies and overconsumption can cause these adverse effects.

Nut allergies, thyroid-related side effects, excessive blood sugar, skin sensitivities, stomach problems, and other conditions are a few examples of potential side effects.

Is almond milk worse for you than regular milk?

Almond milk lacks the nutritional value of cow’s milk; however, fortified varieties come close.

Their nutritional composition is more akin to that of ordinary milk because they typically contain additional protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Almond milk, however, is naturally high in several vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E.

Is almond milk safe for kidneys?

Because it is plant-based, it has less potassium and phosphorus, making it ideal for kidney patients.

It is minimal in sugar and salt as well. In the same way, oat and cashew milk are beneficial to the kidneys.

However, some may contain minerals that are bad for the kidneys.

What are the disadvantages of drinking almond milk daily?

Consuming an excessive amount of vital nutrients and minerals from almonds might lead to digestive difficulties like nausea, dysentery, stomach discomfort, and bowel troubles.

It may conflict with your prescriptions and cause significant gastrointestinal distress in certain individuals.

What milk is better than almond?

“The benefit of pea-based milk over some of the other milk alternatives is that peas contain several vitamins and minerals,” adds Beaver.

“Pea-based milk also contains more protein than some of the other non-dairy options, like almond milk and oat milk, making it a good option for vegetarians and vegans.”

Which is healthier milk or almond milk?

Although cow’s milk has more protein than other milk, it’s still not enough to significantly alter your diet.

The fat and salt contents are almost the same.

Almond milk is not only good for those who cannot tolerate lactose, but it’s also a little healthier than cow’s milk because it contains vitamin D.

Is OAT Milk better than almond milk?

Given that almond milk has a low calorie and carb content, it could be an excellent option for diabetics or those attempting to lose weight.

But, because oat milk has a high fiber content, it is a better option if you want to control your cholesterol or want a satisfying beverage.

Can you drink almond milk on an empty stomach?

Sure. Since almond milk is merely a food, it can be consumed on an empty stomach in the same way that milk can.

Do we need to boil almond milk?

Almond milk should not be boiled or overheated as this may cause the milk to separate and lose flavor.

It can be heated slowly or not at all.

Can I drink almond milk at night?

Warm milk contains tryptophan, which can aid with sleep at night.

Almond milk works similarly.

Tryptophan is also found in almonds, according to the National Sleep Foundation, thus consuming more of this nutrient can significantly affect how drowsy you feel.

What milk is closest to almonds?

Cashew Milk

Elmhurst’s Cashew Milk is the most similar to almond milk in terms of taste and texture.

Why do people drink almond milk?

The fact that almond milk doesn’t contain lactose has made it a staple in many diets. Almond milk can be used as a healthy substitute for dairy drinks by those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.