The Truth About Plant-Based Milk: Is it Actually Healthy?
Plant-based milk has gained immense popularity recently, with sales increasing by 61% since 2012. Many people opt for plant-based milk for various reasons, such as lactose intolerance, veganism, and the belief that it is a healthier alternative to cow’s milk. However, is it actually healthy? In this article, we will explore the truth behind plant-based milk and the ingredients they contain.
The Rise in Non-Dairy Milks:
According to a survey, over half of the people who switched to non-dairy milk did so because they believed it was healthier than cow’s milk. However, the nutrient-density debate shows that cow’s milk is the winner. Cow’s milk is a whole food, raw and unpasteurized, containing unprocessed vitamins and minerals from nature. On the other hand, plant-based milk with high nutritional profiles is derived from synthetic, cheap additives. Most plant-based milks are mostly water and void of many nutrients.
The Almond Milk Controversy:
Many nut milk products contain added water, but some companies exaggerate the amount of almonds in their almond milk. For example, Blue Diamond Growers (Almond Breeze makers) is facing a lawsuit due to false advertising. The company claims that its almond milk is made up mostly of almonds when in reality, their almond milk contains only 2% almond and mostly water, sugar, carrageenan, and sunflower lecithin. This raises the question: should it more accurately be called almond-flavored water?
Brands to Avoid:
Consumer Reports lab tests hundreds of products to rate them based on their nutritional score, sensory score, and vitamin and mineral content compared to cow’s milk.[1] Many popular plant-based milk products are on the “naughty list,” including Silk Almondmilk Unsweetened, Silk Coconutmilk Original, and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk Original Reduced Sugar.
Better Choices:
On the other hand, some plant-based milks are better choices, including Malk Organic Almond Malk, Elmhurst Milked Almonds Unsweetened, and New Barn Organic Almondmilk Unsweetened.[2]
Detoxing from Problematic Ingredients:
Many plant-based milk alternatives contain toxic ingredients that can cause inflammatory responses in the body and have been linked to health concerns ranging from IBS to cancer. These ingredients include thickeners, gums, artificial flavors, cheap and synthetic vitamin additives, and colors. If exposed to these toxins, you can rely on TrueCarbonCleanse™, a gut-detoxifying supplement, or CytoDetox®, a potent liposomal zeolite clinoptilolite with fulvates, to help eliminate toxins.
Conclusion:
Although many people believe that plant-based milk is a healthier alternative to cow’s milk, the reality is that they contain an array of health-disrupting ingredients and almost none of its alleged star ingredients. It is crucial to read labels and choose plant-based milk with fewer additives and a higher nutritional profile. Cow’s milk remains the clear winner regarding nutrient density and natural vitamins and minerals.
References:
- Warren, Rachel Meltzer. “Are Plant Milks Good for You?” Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.org/plant-milk/are-plant-milks-more-healthful-than-cows-milk/.
- “Going Nuts about Milk? Here’s What You Need to Know about Plant-Based Milk Alternatives.” American Society for Nutrition, 23 Aug. 2020, nutrition.org/going-nuts-about-milk-heres-what-you-need-to-know