Almond Milk or Oat Milk - Nutrition Tips
These nutrient – dense milks are dairy-free alternatives to cow’s milk, with a few key differences between them. The popularity of these milks has been growing in recent years. To help you decide whether it’s better to go with oat milk or almond milk, here’s a closer look at each product and its benefits.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a plant-based alternative to cow’s milk, made by soaking and blending almonds and water. The resulting almond meal (what remains after filtering out most of the liquid) is blended with filtered water to create a nutrient-rich drink that can be enjoyed alone or as a substitute for dairy in cooking and baking.
Almond milk is high in vitamin E, calcium, riboflavin, and manganese. According to a 2011 study published in The Journal of International Medical Research, almond milk may help protect against heart disease because it contains antioxidant properties and has no saturated fat or cholesterol. Additional research from Tufts University also found that almond milk is lower in calories than oat milk and can aid in weight loss. Almonds are naturally high in fiber, making them filling for those trying to lose weight.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is made by blending oats with water and then straining it to produce a smooth and creamy liquid. It has a sweet flavor, which makes it an ideal option for adding to coffee or tea. Not only does it come from a plant, but it is also rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. It also contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and amino acids that give you energy for long days at work or school. Thanks to its superior nutritional content, oat milk strengthens your digestive system, balances blood sugar, mood and memory, improving your overall health.
What is the difference?
Both kind of milks contain significantly less fat than regular milk, but depending on how they’re prepared, each also contains varying amounts of nutrients—it all depends on which ingredients are used and how those ingredients are processed. Despite these differences, many nutritionists agree that consuming either type of milk can be healthy when consumed in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.
Although both kinds of milk are considered non-dairy, they contain different types of protein and different levels of fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. While these may seem like insignificant differences, they can actually impact your health in a big way.
1. Almond milk contains more unsaturated fats ( healthy fats ) than oat milk, while oat milk contains more proteins than almond milk.
2. Additionally, almonds are high in monounsaturated fats while oats have higher amounts of polyunsaturated fats. Both types offer health benefits such as reducing your LDL cholesterol.
3. Both kinds of milk naturally contain sugar, but oat milk tends to have much more. However, sugar levels may depend on the many varieties available—vanilla, unsweetened, original. So always choose the unsweetened versions.
4. Both are rich in vitamins, and minerals. They also contain good amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which can help keep bones healthy and strong, boost your immune system, keep your hormones in balance, and maintain your overall health.
5. Almond milk contains higher Iron and Sodium levels compared to oat milk which is a better source of Potassium.
6. Both almonds and oats are high in fiber, making them filling for those trying to lose weight. However, compared to oat milk, almond milk tends to have lower levels of fiber per serving.
Almond Milk or Oat Milk - Which Milk is Better For You?
That depends on your needs, taste preferences, and diet. When choosing between these two drinks, consider what you’re looking for from your beverage. If you want something more nutritious or better for heart health, opt for oat milk. If you’re trying to lose weight and improve your cholesterol levels, opt for low-fat or skim almond milk. Either way, make sure you check nutrition labels carefully so that you know exactly what type of nutrients you’re getting out of each drink. Overall, if you have food allergies or can’t digest dairy well, then oat and almond milk may be worth looking into.
