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.
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.
Almond milk can have some possible side effects. However, these side effects occur only due to overconsumption and nut allergies. Some possible side effects are nut allergies, adverse effects on the thyroid gland, high sugar levels, skin reactions, abdominal issues etc.
Experts say that one of the most common side effects of drinking almond milk is stomach troubles—and an additive called carrageenan is likely to blame.
It Doesn't Cause Inflammation
Assuming you don't have an issue with nuts, almond milk does not cause this same inflammation. It is fairly soothing to the intestines, and in most cases, does not cause the consumer any negative digestive side effects.
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.
Make sure you opt for low-fat milk to avoid consuming extra calories and saturated fat. Orange, tomato, pineapple and carrot juices are all high in the antioxidant, vitamin C, which can neutralize free radicals that lead to inflammation.
Many almond milk brands these days use carrageenan, a thickening agent that has been found to cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues (as serious as stomach ulcers) and can cause bloating for many people.
A small study in 45 people with self-reported lactose intolerance found that A2 milk was easier to digest and caused less digestive discomfort, compared with regular cow's milk ( 13 ).
“If you tend to have reflux, almond milk is a great balancer,” Chutkan says. “It's alkaline so it helps neutralize acidic foods.
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.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Almond: bad for bees
Almonds require more water than any other dairy alternative, consuming 130 pints of water to produce a single glass of almond milk, according to the Oxford study. Satisfying continual demands for larger almond crops is also placing unsustainable pressures on US commercial beekeepers.
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.
REFRIGERATED Almond Breeze® is perishable and will spoil if not refrigerated. Unopened SHELF STABLE Almond Breeze® can be stored in your pantry at room temperature up until the “Best Before” or “”Best if Use By”” date printed on top of the carton.
Once you open almond milk—any kind of almond milk, including homemade almond milk— always refrigerate it. If possible, keep almond milk toward the back of the fridge, where the temperature tends to be the coldest and the most stable. Avoid storing it on the door, where the temperature fluctuates.
According to this guide, almond, hemp, and coconut milks may work for people with IBS. Just pay attention to your serving size. You may also want to try kefir. The fermentation process lowers lactose to a better level for those with IBS and lactose intolerance.
Lactose-free milk
Many people who have problems with regular milk often try this first. Lactose-free milk has an enzyme added to it (lactase) that helps break down lactose into more easily digested sugars. You'll still need to buy low-fat lactose-free milk, though.
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.
Commercially available almond milk might contain additives like soy lecithin, guar gum, and carrageenan which could cause gastrointestinal distress. People with irritable bowel syndrome should, therefore, strictly avoid almond milk.
“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.
It's easy to digest and suitable for virtually anyone aside from people with nut allergies. It's low in calories – with 14-28 calories per 100 millilitres, almond milk is a very low-calorie drink, which means you can drink a lot of it without any unwanted effects.
Skim or fat-free milk
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.
A study in 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis noted that among 20 foods, sugar-sweetened soda and desserts were the most frequently reported to worsen RA symptoms ( 2 ). What's more, sugary beverages like soda may significantly increase your risk of arthritis.
Tea is one of the best beverages for arthritis patients due to its many health benefits. Green, black and white teas are all rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols. Green tea is generally viewed as the most beneficial because of its active ingredient “epigallocatechin-3-gallate” or EGCG.