Have you heard of oat milk? It might be a great option for you if you’re dairy intolerant or follow a plant-based diet. But is it healthy?
What Is Oat Milk?
Steel-cut oats or whole groats are combined with water to make oat milk, which is then strained through cheesecloth or a specialized nut milk bag. The liquid or “milk” that results does have some of the nutrients in oats, but the residual oat pulp has the bulk of the fiber and most of the protein in the oats.
It’s thought that oats absorb water more readily than nuts, giving it a creamier texture than nut milk without additional components.
Is Oat Milk Allergen Free?
Since oat milk is naturally free of dairy, lactose, soy, and nuts, oat milk can be a good choice for someone with dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Although oats don’t contain gluten, they are frequently processed in the same facilities as other grains, so there is a chance of cross-contamination if you are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease. Make sure to read the label and choose certified gluten-free oat milk.
Oat Milk and Your Health
For several reasons, oats are among the greatest foods you can eat. First, keep in mind that they are made entirely of whole grains, making them rich in fiber, plant-based protein, B vitamins, and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Because they include a form of fiber called beta-glucan, which has been found to lower cholesterol levels and balance your blood sugar, oats have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
Prebiotics, which are also provided by this fiber, feed your body’s probiotics and aid in the survival and growth of these beneficial bacteria. Improving immunity and intestinal health has also been linked to eating foods high in beta-glucan.
Summary
Oat milk has a thicker consistency and a pleasant, mildly sweet flavor. Due to its richness, it is a favorite beverage, especially in oat milk lattes and cappuccinos. Additionally, it can be utilized in baked products, creamy soups, and smoothies. When cooking, oat milk can be used similarly to how you could use cow’s milk or other plant-based milk. For instance, it’s great in mashed potatoes or casseroles.
Oat milk may not be something you want to drink every day, but it may be terrific dairy-free milk that is easy on the stomach and gives you pre-workout energy right away.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oat-milk
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a31028145/oatmeal-benefits/
