Unless you’ve haven’t been to your corner coffee shop in ages, you know that oat milk is all the rage as a non-dairy alternative for your lattes and bowls of cereal–and not just for those with nut or dairy allergies. But just how healthy is this trendy sip? The Valley’s own Dr. Pablo Prichard fills us in.
What prompted the new popularity of oat milk? Non-dairy milks have become very popular as more people are trying to have a dairy-free lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people have nut allergies and cannot drink almond or cashew milk; therefore, they have turned to oat milk. Also, a lot of coffee consumers prefer oat milk over almond because it froths like cow’s milk.
What are the health benefits of oat milk?
-High in protein and low in fat
-Many brands enrich the oat milk with calcium and vitamin D
-Source of fiber
-High in iron
-No dairy, nuts or other common allergens
-Oats have skin-clearing properties
-Oat milks contains vitamin B which is beneficial for your hair and scalp
Is it healthier than other dairy-free alternatives—almond or cashew milk, for instance? Oat milk is higher in sugar, calories and carbohydrates. Overall, almond milk is considered the healthiest dairy-free alternative
Is oat milk a good choice for someone who is trying to lose weight? Oat milk promotes satiety and can bring you closer to your weight-loss goals since it is low in calories and high in protein. It has less fat than cow’s milk and can possibly help lower cholesterol but keep in mind it is higher in sugar than other dairy-free alternatives.
Is there anyone who should refrain from oat milk? If you’re concerned about inflammation, it is recommended to refrain from oat milk
How readily available is oat milk at stores and restaurants? Oat milk has become a very popular alternative and is readily available at most grocery stores and at a lot of coffee shops.
