Non-Dairy Milk Substitutes

Are you still drinking dairy milk? An increasingly number of people are becoming lactose intolerant, have chronic allergies, and other conditions as a result of processed milk consumption. Milk is mucus forming, can contain the addition of antibiotics and hormones, including the highly toxic rBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone). rBGH is a genetically modified hormone originally developed by Monsanto. rBGH is banned in milk production throughout the European Union, which is increasingly ahead of the curve with food safety, personal care products and environmental policies.

This increase, in health issues, has prompted people to look for non-dairy alternatives or switched to raw milk (if available). And there are many out there for you.  

Coconut Milk - is the liquid that comes from the grated meat of a coconut.  Coconut milk is lactose, dairy, gluten and soy free. Coconuts are very nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.  Coconut milk can also help with weight control because of it's MCTs (Medium Chain Fatty Acids). MCTs increase metabolism and burns fat so it aids in weight loss.  Coconut milk is creamy and can be used in shakes, cooking or baking or just straight from the glass.

Almond Milk - Almond Milk is lactose, dairy, gluten and soy free.  Although those with nut allergies may need to stay away from Almond Milk.  You can buy your Almond Milk or make your own.  Homemade almond milk is delicious and not that difficult to make. Almond Milk can also be used for just about any use that you would have used dairy milk. Almond Milk is loaded with vitamin E, as well as manganese, copper and riboflavin.  These are nutrients that play an important role in energy products.  Almond Milk is creamy.

Hemp Milk - Hemp Milk is lactose, dairy, gluten and soy free. Hemp Milk has a nutty flavor and provides both omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids in a healthy three-to-one ratio. Hemp milk also contains 10 essential amino acids, making it a good vegetarian source of protein.   As far as allergies are concerned, hemp seeds and nuts do not pose the threat that tree nuts do.  I love the creamy, nutty taste of Hemp Milk. If you have never tried it, you may want to give this a try!

Rice Milk - is generally thinner in consistency than nut milks and it has a lighter, sweeter flavor that is perfect for using with cereal or in coffee. Rice Milk does not contain as much protein as the other milks and is higher in starch.  Rice Milk will give you a good source of B vitamins. Rice Milk is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.  

Soy Milk - I personally do not recommend Soy Milk for anyone but we all have to make our own decisions. I eliminated Soy Milk and most soy products from my diet about 15 years ago. Soy contains phytoestrogens that can mimic the female hormone estrogen.  Drinking just two glasses of soy milk daily for one month has enough of the chemical to alter a woman's cycle. Soy is very allergenic and most soybeans are now genetically modified. The list of reasons why to avoid soy is long and you will see differing opinions.  The choice for me is to err on the safe side especially when there are so many other options. There are so many other non-dairy milks to drink that I advise people to skip the Soy Milk.

Which Is Your Favorite?

My favorites are the Coconut, Hemp and Almond Milk. They all fit into my lifestyle of dairy, soy, gluten free and tastes great. I can use these milks no matter what I'm making.  If you have never tried one of these milks, give one a try. I know that you will find one or two that will become your favorites.

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