As the demand for plant-based milk continues to rise, sales of oat milk have soared. However, is oat milk actually better for you than regular cow's milk, or is this just another marketing ploy to get you to part with more of your hard-earned cash? Let's take a closer look.
Read on to find out all about the associated health benefits of oat milk including its nutritional value and who it is suitable for.
What exactly is oat milk?
Oat milk is a vegan alternative to dairy milk that is made from whole oats. With a high carbohydrate content and the ability to create a frothy and creamy finish, this type of milk also boasts a high nutritional profile.
Although it used to be challenging to get hold of oat milk, it is now available in abundance both from online retailers such as MYOM and in stores all over the country.
What are the benefits of drinking oat milk?
There are lots of reasons why people choose to drink oat milk over cow's milk or other types of milk, such as:
- It is a good source of vitamin B
- It contains high levels of fiber
- It is good for your cholesterol
- It may be able to reduce your risk of heart disease
- It contains zero saturated fats
- It is a good protein source
- It is good for bone health
- It is beneficial for your gut health
- It can help you to feel fuller for longer
Oat milk is also said to be good for the skin as it is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from daily wear and tear, UV rays, pollution, and other free radical damage.
What does oat milk taste like?
If you have not yet tried oat milk, you may be wondering what it tastes like. As you might expect, you can taste the oats but only mildly. In fact, many people say that it tastes like a slighter sweeter and denser form of cow's milk.
Is oat milk healthier than cow's milk?
Depending on the type of diet that you follow, oat milk may be healthier for you than cow's milk. It contains high levels of protein as well as fiber and calcium and does not have any saturated fats, all of which make it a good choice for your health.
That being said, it does tend to contain more calories and carbohydrates than other types of milk, so this is something to consider.
Is oat milk suitable for everyone?
Oat milk is suitable for most people; however, if you are sensitive to gluten, you should avoid most varieties. That being said, you can find gluten-free oat milk brands if you are gluten intolerant. For those who are on a low-sugar diet, unsweetened varieties of oat milk that contain fewer sugars than cow's milk can be purchased.
As is the case with trying any new foods or drinks, if you have any adverse reactions after drinking oat milk, get in touch with your doctor.
