In today’s world and daily routine, people are focusing on plant-based alternatives as healthier options to go for as we all are entangled in crazy eating habits and unbalanced lifestyles. And apart from the regular milk that we all like, oats milk is a good choice for people with allergies and intolerances. It’s free from lactose, nuts, soy and gluten if made from gluten-free oats. It’s good for bone and heart health.
What is Oat Milk?
People looking for a vegan dietary substitute can consider Oat milk. Stating simply it is made from a mixture of oats and water. The preparation is done by soaking and blending steel-cut or rolled oats with water, later straining them through cheesecloth separating milk from the oats. Manufacturers add some extra ingredients like gums, oils and salt to give it a more desirable taste and texture. Oat milk has the same number of calories as cow’s milk, double the number of carbohydrates, about half the amount of proteins and fats.
Oat milk isn’t as nutritious whole oats. Oats milk is free of many of the allergens found in other types of milk. It also contains beta-glucans, a soluble fibre that is good for heart health benefits. It is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals and also fibre. Commercial oat milk is fortified with vitamins A, D, B2 and B12 as well as other minerals like calcium. In comparison to other types of milk, oat milk has more calories, carbs, fibres than almonds, soy, cow’s milk. After almond, soy milk, oat milk is the latest trendy, plant-based milk to take over the supermarket shelves, cafes, coffee shops.
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Health Benefits Of Oats Milk
There are a number of reasons which makes Oats the most essential food to be included in the diet. It is a 100% whole grain filled with fibre, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals including iron, calcium and magnesium. It also gives the body prebiotics which fuels your body and also probiotics which help these friendly bacteria survive and thrive. Eating foods having beta-glucan also improves immunity and great health.
Here Are A Few Benefits Of Oats Milk:
1. Oats milk is good for people with dietary restrictions. It’s free of lactose.
2. A great source of vitamin B-Oat milk has riboflavin or vitamin B2 and vitamin B12. These vitamins help you elevate mood, combat oxidative stress, promote healthy hair, nails, and skin.
3. Great for bone health-Oat milk is fortified with calcium and vitamin D which is good for bones. We know that calcium is the main mineral for healthy and strong bones. Adequate vitamin D is equally important as it helps in the absorption of calcium from your digestive tract.
4. It prevents anaemia-Because of taking a vegan diet a person is prone to the risk of getting anaemic because most plant-based foods lack certain micronutrients to prevent this condition. Anaemia is a serious illness that develops due to a lack of red blood cells. It can be cured by taking foods rich in the mineral, iron.
5. It boosts immunity-As this milk has a high vitamin composition it helps to strengthen the immune system.
Oat Milk Nutrition vs Real Dairy Milk: Which is better?
The latest player in the non-diary milk alternative world which is a popular choice among its users. But it is important to note that it is not a replacement for real dairy milk when it comes to nutrition.
The main difference between real dairy milk and oat milk’s nutrition is the nutrient profile. The nutrient in oat milk are fewer than dairy milk and most of them are fortified. This means these nutrients do not occur naturally in the milk and are added during manufacturing.
Real dairy milk is fortified with only Vitamins and D while other essential nine nutrients in each 8-ounce glass (protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid occur naturally. While apart from iron all other nutrients in oat milk are fortified.
Real dairy milk provides 8gms of protein in every 8-ounce glass which is about twice the amount of protein in oat milk. Real dairy milk is a source of complete high-quality protein i.e it contains a full mix of essential amino acids. Most plant-based proteins like oats are incomplete proteins and missing some of the essential amino acids our body needs.
The nutrient constituents in oat milk can vary from brand to brand. As it is not federally regulated, some brands may fortify more and some less. So, before making a purchase which will help make an informed decision. Real dairy milk also boasts a simple ingredient list of just milk, vitamin A and vitamin D where you know what you’re getting when you have a glass of it.
The difference in carbohydrate content of the dairy milk and oat milk also differs. Per serving of dairy milk has 12 grams of carbohydrate while oat milk can have up to 24 grams of carbohydrate. Real dairy milk is wholesome, minimally processed, and naturally nutrient-rich. It also offers a range of health benefits backed by decades of research.
Oat Milk for Weight Loss
Folks who are on a plant-based diet and haven’t based diet should not miss out on oats milk. It is low in fat and lactose-free which satisfies the need for anyone who is lactose intolerant or who chooses to go light on diary and eating habits.
Consuming oat milk in conjunction with proper exercise and diet can help with weight loss and ensuring for your nutritional needs. It is low in calories, fat, and sugar but high in protein and has fiber, oat milk is a great substitute for folks trying to shed few pounds. Oat milk very comfortably beats other non-dairy options like nut milk and coconut milk, however soy milk trump oat milk in terms of an extra protein boost.
Which Is A Better Option- Oat Milk or Almond Milk?
For individuals who are lactose-free, how oats milk or almond milk is good for you depends on two factors.
Are you choosing an unsweetened version?
Before making a purchase make sure to check for the nutrition facts on the package. Make an informed choice that there’s 0gm for added sugar per serving. Some oat milk brands may contain more than just oats and water. Flavorings, gums, sweeteners may crop up in some of the options available. Therefore, it is worth checking out the back label before you buy and be wary about what you’re putting into your body.
How much of it you are drinking?
An unsweetened version of oat milk is to be preferred in coffee, tea, cereal, or homemade smoothies if it is in regard to taste. However, when it is primarily used for weight-loss reasons, know that it has slightly more calories than unsweetened almond milk, which can add up if you’re adding it to almost everything.
Potential Downsides
Oat milk also has some disadvantages or downsides. Some varieties of commercial oats milk contain a high amount of sugar if they are sweetened or flavored. So the best buy would be that of unsweetened variety. Some commercial oat milk products are not certified to be gluten-free which may cause digestive problems for people with celiac disease. The gluten-free variety is safe for babies and children may not be a suitable alternative for breast or cow’s milk as it lacks nutrients needed for optimal growth. It’s more expensive than cow’s milk.
How To Make Your Own Oat Milk?
If you make your own oat milk it allows you to choose your own ingredients and avoid additives or thickeners found generally in commercialized products. To make oat milk blend 1 cup (81gms) of rolled or steel-cut oats with 3 cups of water. Pour the mixture over the cheesecloth to separate the oat milk from the oats. When prepared, store it in a glass bottle in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enhance the flavor try adding ¼ tsp of salt, a tsp of vanilla or cinnamon extract, some dates, maple syrup or honey.
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Is Oat Milk Better Than Almond Milk?
Whether or not oat milk is better than almond milk depends on factors like—
1. Are you choosing an unsweetened version of both? -For both the oat and almond milk varieties, we should look for those that say ‘unsweetened’ on the front of the package and check the nutrition fact labels to ensure there is 0 gm. of added sugar.
2. How much of it are you drinking?-If you love the taste of oat milk then pour an unsweetened version in coffee, tea, cereal, or homemade smoothies.
The Bottom Line
Oat milk is a lactose-free, vegan alternative to cow and goat milk. It is high in protein and low in fats has a lot of calcium and vitamin D. It’s gluten-free and allergen-free. It has lots of fibers too. It’s a very healthy option if you are pursuing weight loss goals. It improves appetite control. It’s good for people concerned about the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It’s pretty tasty, healthy to the core and you can really look up to it as the best vegan alternative to dairy products. It delivers its promises totally.
Do you include Oats in your diet? Share some interesting recipes with us which you have discovered in your journey in making your health a priority.
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17 Comments
Wow great informative post, I had never heard about oats milk before. seems like a great option for vegan people. thanks a lot sharing way how to make it at your home. will surly try this.
Wow, this really sounds a healthy and vegan option, I love oats but have never tried oats milk, so will surely try.
oats and oat milk is known as superfood with plenty health benefits. great read indeed
I love oats porridge. That’s in normal cow’s milk. Never knew this oat milk existed. Vegans and vegetarians are very creative in making food for themselves.
This is an interesting blog post as I have never considered oat milk before. I have heard of almond and soy but not this one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Nice to read and know about oats milk..first time I came to know about this milk and we can make it too.. informative post.thanks for sharing.
This is a detailed explanation about oat milk. Haven’t come across such details so far. Looks like it has both advantages and disadvantages as well. So, it depends on individual to select it .Thanks for such informative post
Thanks for sharing info about oats milk, commercial angle and way to get it done at home.
I was not aware of oats milk before I read your post. A very enlightening one, I must say. I will try it soon.
oats milk is a new vegan milk i read about today.. Thank u so much for sharing this piece of infrmation in such a comprehensive manner.
I love oat milk, I am happy that my all family members are in love of Oats in everyway and this makes my job easier in many ways.
I was trying to add healthy breakfast options, this post has given me a reason to try oats.
Thank you everyone for liking the post.
sounds interesting. First time Im hearing of this. Will try it out in my morning smoothie.
It’s a very informative post and thanks for sharing it. These days doctors are asking to avoid cows milk and I think oats milk can be a good replacement.
I had never heard of oat milk and it sounds interesting and specially for those with food restrictions. Thanks for sharing
Thank you friends for your feedback on the post. It motivates to keep enlightening my readers. Coming up with more such informative and enlightening post. Do keep reading, and sharing.