Say Mooo......Cow Milk and other alternatives.

 We have been brought up to appreciate the nutritional value of cow milk and then told later to abstain from the full fat version in order to stay slim............ Though in recent times, there has been mixed messages on how truly beneficial a total abstinence from cow milk is;
                       

It is worthy of  note that 'casein' in cow milk is generally difficult to digest and a substantial amount of people show some sort of reaction and intolerance to lactose.

Classic symptoms of diary insensitivity are bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, mucus, joint pains, respiratory problems and skin problems like rashes or acne.

 To test your tolerance for cow milk, simply abstain from diary and all its derivatives ( like cheese , butter and yoghurt) for about 3 weeks...THEN eat it again and carefully observe your body reaction to it.

If you are among those that don't tolerate cow milk well, don't despair .........there are healthy alternatives ........

ALMOND MILK

       

Great tasting and nutritionally dense almond milk is derived from almonds which is a nut that protects against diabetes and is touted for its benefits to our overall cardiovascular health.

Although, almond milk does not have the same level of protein as cow milk; it is still a healthy choice ( especially if you buy the calcium enriched ones ) for those seeking a healthy lifestyle or those who are lactose intolerant.

Regular consumption of almond milk as an alternative to diary can help in your overall weight management......... It has no saturated fats BUT high in healthy fats. It is a good source of omega fatty acids which is more common in fish.......

A LOT OF BRANDS COME CALCIUM ENRICHED SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT NUTRIENT.

This milk is rich in Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that cannot be produced by our bodies so you have to make sure you get enough from your diet. Vitamin E helps prevent premature aging and improves skin health.......so if you want to loose weight and glow, ......this is your star antioxidant........#wink#

Almond milk barely impacts on your blood sugar and since it has a low glycolic index your body will use the carbohydrates as energy so the sugars will not be stored as fat.

It is quite easy to make............Just soak raw almonds for about 4 hours or overnight , blend and strain with cheese cloth and your home made milk is ready

To support weight loss and a healthier lifestyle, always read food labels and choose unsweetened almond milk ( organic if possible ) and brands with fewer big words under preservatives or simply make your own and up your calcium intake from yoghurt and other sources.

To all  milk loving blog visitors.....have you tried this? What are your thoughts on diary and alternatives?

                                                                                                            To be Continued.................