Health Benefits of Almond Milk for Seniors

Many health benefits are associated with almond milk, including its nutritional value. Making almond milk at home is simple and can be done by following a few simple steps. If you are a vegetarian or allergic to dairy lactose and cholesterol, almond milk is the best alternative to cow’s milk. 

Today’s article on Living Maples Mag will talk about almond milk’s health benefits for seniors.

Besides being a delicious drink, almond milk has many uses in cooking. You can use it to make purees, porridge, smoothies, ice cream, soups, sauces, salads and desserts. You can also add almond milk to your cornflakes, tea or coffee.

What is Almond Milk?

almond milk for seniors

Making almond milk involves mixing almonds with water and obtaining the extract from this mixture. This method of preparing almond milk is the most widely used and best way to make it. Of course, some people also make this popular drink by adding water to almond butter. Almond milk has a pleasant taste and a creamy colour like cow’s milk. For this reason, people who are vegetarians or are allergic to some of the ingredients in dairy milk prefer almond milk.

Flavoured almond milk is sold in many supermarkets and chain stores. But, it is possible to make this nutritious drink at home. If you decide to buy ready-made almond milk, it is better to choose those that do not contain sugar. Some brands of almond milk on the market are enriched with various vitamins, minerals and proteins. If you are one of those people who are allergic to dairy products, it is better to choose calcium-fortified almond milk for drinking.

 

almond milk for seniors

How to Make Homemade Almond Milk?

The most famous and widely used type of nut milk is almond milk. Before we talk about the myriad health benefits of almond milk, let’s guide you on how to make homemade almond milk. You need to make homemade almond milk in a blender, some water and a bowl of peeled almonds. Follow the instruction below to prepare your almond milk:

  1. Soak a cup or about 200 grams of almond kernels in a water bowl for 8 to 12 hours.
  2. After soaking, easily peel off the brown skin on the almond kernels.
  3. Put the almond kernels in a blender and add 4 cups of water. Wait a few minutes, then mix the water and almond kernels.
  4. Smooth the resulting mixture and separate the milk from the mixture using a cleaning cloth. Pour the remaining almond paste into a bowl to dry, grind it and use it as almond flour.
  5. Now your almond milk is ready. It is better to use a clean glass container with a lid to keep the almond milk. You can keep your almond milk in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Keep in mind that almond milk is made from two separate compounds, and it is perfectly normal for their ingredients to settle. Therefore, it is better to shake their main container well before each use.

Note: The milk of other nuts is made the same way as almond milk. Hence, if you are not interested in almonds, you can use other nuts to produce milk and take advantage of their countless benefits. Note that the time required to soak each of the nuts is different:
  • Almonds: 8-12 hours
  • Hazelnuts: 8 hours
  • Peanuts: 8 hours
  • Walnut: 4 hours
  • Pistachios: No need

Benefits of Almond Milk for Seniors

Almond milk was easy to make. Now let’s talk about the fantastic properties of this drink for seniors.

Almond Milk Is very Nutritious

Although the number of nutrients in almond milk does not equal cow’s milk, it is as rich as cow’s milk. Of course, almond milk fortified with vitamin D, calcium, and protein is very close to cow’s milk in terms of nutritional content. Almond milk is rich in several vitamins for the elderly, especially vitamin E and large amounts of minerals. 

almond milk for seniors

Some minerals in almond milk are not present in cow’s milk. One of these substances is phytic acid. It has antibacterial properties but reduces the absorption of iron, zinc and magnesium in the human body.

Read More: What to Drink before Workout?

Almond Milk Is Low in Calories

Almond kernels alone are 50% fat and high in calories, but almond milk is low in calories. This way, you can consume a large amount of this drink daily without worrying about gaining weight. The nutrients in almond milk are much higher than its calories. If you buy almond milk, it is better to know that their fat is as low as cow’s milk and about 1% because the manufacturers of almond milk dilute it with water.

Each cup of almond milk contains 39 calories. That’s about half the calories in a skimmed cow’s milk cup. Note that not all almond milk is the same in terms of calories. Depending on the number of pure almonds and sugar used, some brands may contain more calories.

Almond Milk Is Not Raising Blood Sugar

Sugar-free almond milk is a low-carb drink. Each cup of this drink contains only 0.6% (1.5 g) of carbohydrates. Almond milk has fewer carbohydrates than cow’s milk, including 5% (12 grams) of carbohydrates per cup. Almond milk has more fat and protein than carbohydrates, so it does not raise blood sugar and is suitable for seniors on a low-carb or diabetic diet.

almond milk for seniors

However, if you plan to buy ready-made almond milk and its low carbohydrate content is crucial, pay attention to the menu label on the almond milk packaging before buying. Of course, you can also make homemade almond milk at home using the recipe.

Anti-Allergic Qualities of Almond Milk

Almond milk is an entirely herbal product suitable for vegetarians or seniors allergic to dairy products. Also, lactose-intolerant people and those who cannot use cow’s milk can enjoy drinking almond milk.

Lactose is a substance that causes excessive gas, intestinal inflammation, diarrhea and discomfort in the large intestine if your body cannot digest it. One of the good things about almond milk is that it lacks lactose. So if you are lactose-intolerant, you can easily substitute and replace dairy milk using the homemade almond milk recipe.

Strengthening Bones with Enriched Almond Milk

Dairy products are a rich source of calcium and are very low in calcium compared to almonds. Almond milk producers usually fortify it with calcium to bring it closer to cow’s milk. One cup of fortified almond milk can contain 45 to 50 percent of a senior’s daily calcium requirement. In contrast, the amount of calcium in a cup of cow’s milk can be between 28 and 31% of the daily requirement.

Calcium is beneficial and necessary for senior muscle building and strengthening bones, and regular consumption reduces osteoporosis risk. Seniors with conditions such as osteoporosis should eat calcium and vitamin-E-rich foods regularly. Almond milk, which is high in vitamin E, is an excellent drink to include in your diet if it is fortified with calcium.

Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease

Scientific studies show that regular consumption of nuts effectively reduces heart disease risk because they contain large amounts of vitamin E and healthy fats. According to these studies, almond has many health benefits among the fatty kernels, and almond milk also contains 1% of saturated fat and 90% of unsaturated fat. The primary fatty acid in almond oil is oleic acid, associated with beneficial changes in blood lipids.

almond milk for seniors

In a study on seniors, researchers found that eating 66 grams of almonds or almond milk daily for six weeks reduced bad cholesterol (LDL) by 6%, triglycerides by 14%, and increased good cholesterol (HDL) by 6%. . All of these effects on blood lipids reduce the risk of heart disease. Although about 50% of the calories in almond milk come from its fat, this very low-fat drink does not significantly affect blood lipids.

Almond milk is a rich source of vitamin E, and according to scientists, vitamin E is perfect for health and protects the body’s beneficial fats from oxidation. Vitamin E also reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering oxidized harmful cholesterol in the body.

Almond Milk Is High in Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency causes brittle bones, weak muscles, and constant tiredness. Few foods are a good source of vitamin D. This is why vitamin D fortification of dairy products, especially, is one of the most important public health strategies.

Almond milk on the market is usually fortified with vitamin D. It is interesting to know that one cup of fortified almond milk contains 101 units (2.4 micrograms) of vitamin D. This amount of vitamin D is equal to 25% of the daily requirement. This amount is similar to the amount contained in a fortified cow’s milk cup. Therefore, almond milk is a valuable source whose regular consumption can compensate for the lack of vitamin D in the body.

 

Final Words

Almond milk has several health benefits and is a good alternative for the elderly allergic to cow’s milk. Therefore, seniors can make drinking this delicious milk one of their daily habits and improve their health. Let us know if you are a long-time user and have seen the benefits mentioned above or plan to try almond milk for the first time, in the near future. It’s important to note that almond milk should not be relied upon as a sole source of nutrition. Seniors should aim for a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. As with any dietary change, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes.

Source medicalnewstoday.com
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Marshall
Marshall
2 years ago

I always start my day with almond milk. I am 61 years old; my son and I are sensitive to milk, so almond milk is the best alternative for both of us. My son makes almond milk for me at home every weekend. He made it by placing them in a blender with water and then filtering the pulp with a sieve to remove it from the liquid. It has a creamy texture and nutty taste that I find so delicious. My son also adds vanilla and chocolate flavours to it sometimes.

Last edited 2 years ago by Marshall
Mike
Mike
2 years ago

I’m lactose intolerant, so I always drink almond milk instead of dairy. But even my friends who can drink cow’s milk confirm that it has a better texture and taste. I use it in cooking too instead of whole milk.

Kelly
Kelly
Reply to  Mike
2 years ago

I love almond milk, but I had no idea using almond milk for cooking was possible! I thought the heat would ruin it. I’m searching for some delicious recipes with almond milk. What are your top suggestions, Mike?

Jasmine
Jasmine
Reply to  Kelly
1 year ago

I think it’s not a good idea to heat almond milk; whenever I do that, it tastes slightly bitter. I guess the reason is that high temperature can destroy the nutrients and is likely to get it burnt.

Hunter
Hunter
1 year ago

I have a tasty recipe for almond milk lovers 🙂
You will need:

  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 4 teaspoons granulated unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup vanilla whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 7 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

Add 1/2 cup of the milk to the gelatin; set aside for five minutes. Boil the remaining 1/2 cup of milk in a small saucepan. Stir into the gelatin mixture.
Blend gelatin mixture, yogurt, 5 cups of strawberries, three tablespoons of honey, and two tablespoons of lime juice until smooth. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Enjoy.

Owen
Owen
Reply to  Hunter
1 year ago

Thanks for the suggestion. I’m addicted to its magical taste. When I’m feeling down, I make one immediately; it cheers me up 🙂

Stella.J
Stella.J
1 year ago

Hi everyone. I just wanted to ask something. I am allergic to nuts. Does almond milk affect this allergy?

Chloe
Chloe
Reply to  Stella.J
1 year ago

Stella, I think it’s better to consult a doctor; but if you are allergic to nuts, you cannot have flours, milk, butter, etc., made from nuts you are allergic to, as it could cause an allergic reaction.

Mary
Mary
Reply to  Stella.J
1 year ago

Almonds and peanuts trigger my allergic reaction, but I don’t have an allergic reaction when ingesting almond milk. I still do suggest that you speak with your doctor before trying it. I am not sure why I do not react to it, but I wouldn’t recommend you take that risk.

Willow
Willow
1 year ago

I’ve had trouble drinking milk since I was a child. It’s almost impossible for me to stand the smell or taste. Surprisingly, almond milk is so delicious that I can’t resist consuming it all the time :))

Mathis
Mathis
1 year ago

I always make almond milk pudding. It’s healthy and very easy to make. You start by adding the almond milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder into a small saucepan. Stir the cornstarch and water together until they form a paste, ensuring no clumps. Pour it into the saucepan and heat it. Keep stirring until it begins to boil. Once it boils, turn down the heat and continue stirring, for 5-6 minutes, until the mixture has thickened. Make sure you try it 🙂