Bottom line: Producers often enrich almond milk with calcium, making it an excellent source of the nutrient. Regular consumption of enriched almond milk may reduce the risk of osteoporosis among those who don't consume dairy products.
Skim or fat-free milk
As a result, it has fewer calories and a higher percentage of calcium by weight. An 8-ounce cup of skim milk contains 325 mg of calcium, which is nearly a third of the daily adult calcium requirement. Skim milk also has higher amounts of vitamins than whole milk because of fortification.
Most commercial brands of almond milk are fortified with calcium. Bone health is deeply tied to calcium, because the mineral makes up most hard structures in bones. Getting enough calcium keeps your bones strong and can help your body fight osteoporosis.
Unlike cow's milk, almond milk is not naturally high in calcium and there is evidence to suggest the added calcium in plant-based milks is not absorbed as well as the calcium found in cow's milks.
Almond milk is naturally dairy-free, meaning it's suitable for vegans, as well as people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance ( 4 ). Still, you should avoid it if you're allergic to tree nuts.
It is low in calories
This means that you can drink a lot of it without it causing weight gain. It is also rich in some nutrients relative to its calorie content. Producers of almond milk dilute it with water to make its fat content similar to that of low fat milk, which is around 1% fat.
Almond milk is healthy and does not have any negative side effects except in people who may have allergies. However, almond milk has some drawbacks that include: Low in calcium: Milk is a fantastic source of calcium for people of all ages because of its high calcium content.
Whether it's fresh or commercially made, signs to tell almond milk has gone bad include a sour taste, a thicker texture, and a funky smell.
Furthermore, store-bought almond milk is often enriched with calcium and vitamin D to support healthy bones. As a result, this plant-based milk can be a nutritious and satisfying option for those who can't or don't want to drink cow's milk, as well as people who prefer the taste and lower calorie content.
When considering calcium, dairy milk naturally has about 300 milligrams per cup, and dairy products generally are considered the best absorbed source of calcium. Many soy or almond milks are fortified with calcium to at least match the amount of calcium in dairy milk.
Beverage options that are better choices include calcium and vitamin D-fortified juices, plain or chocolate milk, or flavored waters. While caffeine is widely believed to have some health benefits, it is also proven to deplete calcium from bones.
The safest strategy is eating a diet that's low in salt and rich in fresh and minimally processed whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Include enough calcium and vitamin D from foods, and supplements if necessary, and be sure to limit caffeine and carbonated drinks.
Calcium is the main mineral in your bones — and dairy is the best source of calcium in the human diet ( 11 , 12). Therefore, dairy has many benefits for bone health. In fact, health organizations recommend that you consume 2–3 servings of dairy per day to get enough calcium for your bones (1, 13 ).
Green tea is generally viewed as the most beneficial because of its active ingredient “epigallocatechin-3-gallate” or EGCG. EGCG has been shown to have antioxidant activity 100 times stronger than vitamins C and E, helping to preserve cartilage and bone.
“If you want to drink milk for strong bones, I recommend no more than one glass a day,” says Dr. Cresci. “Do this in addition to a mixed diet rich in calcium.
Almond, pea, and flaxseed milk have more calcium than cow milk (560, 560, 450 mg vs. 425 mg)
Calcium-Fortified Option: Return the almond milk to your blender after you strain it. Blend in your desired amount of calcium powder. It does add a touch of chalkiness (it's a mineral!). I like to use calcium citrate or a calcium-magnesium combination for better absorption.
Fortified Cereals
The cereals you eat for breakfast, such as Total, Raisin Bran and Bran Flakes, have a lot of calcium in one serving. Ensure that you accommodate these foods to prevent osteoporosis as part of a healthy diet.
Studies suggest that almond milk helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, it reduces the risk of heart diseases. It also contains healthy fats such as omega-3, which is heart-healthy. Almond milk contains calcium, potassium and magnesium, essential for maintaining blood pressure.
Almond milk is another popular choice. This milk is made from ground almonds and filtered water. One cup of Silk Unsweetened Almondmilk contains just 30 calories, 0 grams of saturated fat, and 1 gram of protein. It is fortified with calcium, vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
If you buy your almond milk, make sure to read the label and avoid any brands that contain carrageenan. This common ingredient, derived from seaweed, is frequently found in almond milk and other dairy or faux-dairy products and is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent.
Why do I need to shake the product? Shaking Almond Breeze® before serving helps to maintain product consistency. Over time, ingredients in Almond Breeze® may settle to the bottom of the carton.
Almond Milk
People with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop arthritis. Your body makes vitamin D from the sun, but chances are you're not getting as much as you need. Vitamin D-fortified foods, including almond milk, can help fill the gap.
The tryptophan in warm milk can help you fall asleep at night. Similarly, almond milk has the same effect. The National Sleep Foundation noted that almonds also contain tryptophan, so the increased intake of this nutrient can have a significant impact on your sleepiness level.
“If you're trying to lean out and [are] watching your calories and carbs, then almond milk is the better choice because it's much lower in calories and carbs and won't impact your blood sugar.” And again, if your top criteria for deciding between oat milk vs almond milk is sustainability, oat milk is the better pick.