If you're seeking plant-based milk because of lactose intolerance, a milk allergy, or concerns for animal welfare, both coconut and almond milk are suitable options. But if you're looking for the lowest-calorie option with the healthiest fat profile, almond milk is the winner.
Almonds also contain a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) that are considered helpful in weight loss and weight management. So, almond milk might be your best bet for a milk alternative that aids weight loss.
“I wouldn't consider coconut milk a health food,” says plant-based dietitian Julieanna Hever, RD, author of The Vegiterranean Diet. “When compared to soy or almond milk, coconut isn't as healthy."
She recommends soy milk because it's almost like animal milk in terms of nutritional benefits. “Soy milk provides the highest levels of calcium, B vitamins, potassium and protein,” she said. In fact, some soy milks contain even more protein than cow's milk, according to Dr.
Move over almond milk. Flax milk is a great nondairy option if you're looking for an anti-inflammatory boost, says Staci Small, a registered dietitian based in Indiana. The milk is made with flax oil, which is rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Almond milk is much higher calcium (188 mg) and potassium (220 mg), but also higher in sodium (63 g) compared to coconut milk. Coconut milk is much lower in sodium (13 mg), but also very low in calcium (16 mg) and potassium (50 mg) compared to almond milk.
In moderation, coconut milk can have health benefits, but consuming too much can have some undesirable effects. Coconut milk contains high levels of calories and fats. Combining a high intake of coconut milk with a carbohydrate-rich diet can result in weight gain.
Oat milk has a higher number of calories than coconut milk, with 120 calories per cup serving vs. 45 calories per cup serving in coconut milk. If you're watching your weight and looking to consume a smaller number of calories, coconut milk is likely the better choice as it contains fewer calories.
"The benefit of pea-based milk over some of the other milk alternatives is that peas contain several vitamins and minerals," says Beaver. "Pea-based milk also contains more protein than some of the other non-dairy options, like almond milk and oat milk, making it a good option for vegetarians and vegans."
Reduced-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese are better options for people with heart disease or high cholesterol.
Almond milk is healthy – there's no denying it, almond milk is a healthy drink that supplies small amounts of essential nutrients, such protein, fibre and healthy fats, is low in calories and doesn't contain any nasties. It's easy to digest and suitable for virtually anyone aside from people with nut allergies.
“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.
Fortunately, soy, almond, and oat milk are excellent substitutes since they are naturally dairy-free and have a similar consistency. So, you don't have to worry if your recipe calls for coconut milk. You can easily swap in another non-dairy milk for coconut milk at a one-to-one ratio.
Coconut milk is rich in electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. Potassium is important for maintenance of a normal heart rhythm. It is also crucial for healthy muscle functioning. Magnesium is required for a healthy immune system as well as maintenance of normal nerve and muscle function.
Helps Prevent Joint Inflammation and Arthritis
Coconut milk in place of refined sugar especially is helpful for people with arthritis (or other autoimmune conditions) because sugar is a pro-inflammatory and linked to low immunity, worsened pain and swelling.
Summary. Coconut milk is a plant-based alternative fortified with vitamins and calcium but is a source of saturated fat. Unsweetened coconut milk is a low-calorie beverage. Because it lacks protein, coconut milk should not replace cow's milk in the diets of children.
Compared to animal milk, unsweetened almond milk – but not the sweetened kind – is low in sugars and carbohydrates. It has 50% to 80% fewer calories than dairy milk. It's considered a low glycemic index food. This means it's less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.
Almonds are rich in fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Almond milk can help in reducing the problems like constipation and other intestinal issues and keep your digestive system healthy.
We get saturated fat from foods like meat, poultry, eggs and coconut oil, but also from higher-fat dairy products such as cheese, cream and whole milk. Because of the inflammatory effects seen from saturated fat, higher-fat dairy products are considered inflammatory foods.
Goat and sheep's milk also contain the more easily digestible A2 beta-casein , which is a big part of the reason they're less likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammatory responses when consumed.
The most consistent evidence so far centers on yogurt. “Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr.