Milk
Have you wonder what types of milk best suits you. There are dairy kinds of milk from cows and lots of choices of plant-based milk for those who are lactose intolerant.
Dairy Milk
Did you know that over 70 percent of the world’s population is lactose intolerant? Dairy milk is widely consumed in the West and but those in Asian countries like Vietnam, China, India, and Japan, they lose the enzyme needed to break down the sugar (lactose) in milk after weaning. If they drink milk, the main symptoms include diarrhea, a bloated and painful stomach, and, on some occasions, nausea and vomiting. To increase milk production, the use of growth hormones and antibiotics are widely used. It is important that should you want to consume dairy milk, it is safer to choose organic dairy milk whether full cream or low fat.
The cows are reared without the use of growth hormones, antibiotics and are humanely taken care of with pasture grazing and approved grains and hay during winter when the cows cannot graze the pastures. The farmland cannot use pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Dairy milk is rich in protein, fat, calcium, and calories. Animal protein milk do acidify the body and should drink in moderation.
For those who are lactose intolerant, there is plenty of plant-based milk.
It is delicious, has fiber, good for weight loss, gluten intolerance, high carbohydrates, lower cholesterol, free from animal fat and vegan.
Soy milk
Asians have been using soy milk for thousands of years and it is the main breakfast drink usually made on their own. Now it is readily made available in tetra pack or bottled for convenient use.
Soy milk has high plant-based protein, fibre, vitamin A and D. It is a myth that phytoestrogen(plant-based estrogen) a female hormone found in soy is bad for women or men. Soy milk is a nutritious drink and it is suitable to build muscle.
Almond milk
You can make your own almond milk with 25% almond and 75% water. Soak almond and blend with water. Simmer and drain.(can be taken raw without boiling) Sweeten. Most commercial almond milk has 2% almond only and rice starch and additives, stabilizers, thickener are added.
Pure harvest organic almond milk uses 10% almond and no additives or thickener added. Almond milk is low in calories, protein, fat, and vitamins. It is suitable to lose weight.
Coconut milk
It has been consumed for thousands of years especially in India. The coconut flesh is ground to make the milk. It is high in fat about 90% saturated fat and 10% monounsaturated fats, high calories, and low protein. Despite high in saturated fat, it can be part of a healthy diet. Coconut milk which is plant-based fat is better than animal fat.
Rice milk
It is low in fat, protein, and high in carbohydrates. A good source of energy and a great energy boost. It is very hypoallergenic and people with food allergies can consider rice milk. Those with lactose intolerance can consider this option. But those with diabetics should avoid rice milk.
Oat milk
It helps to lower your blood sugar and cholesterol level. Choose oat milk that is unsweetened and it is good for diabetics. One portion of oat milk contains 10% of your total iron requirement and contains calcium too. It strengthens your bones and helps to replenish your iron reserves and heals your body from within. It is delicious to replace dairy milk with oat milk for your coffee.