Alternative plant milks, from oats to almonds, from soy to hemp, have long been in refrigerators. Reasons for replacing dairy products with a plant-based alternative are often allergies or intolerances, an effort to be more sustainable, or concerns about taste preference.
THE MOST NUTRITIVE MILK…
However, some alternative milks are more nutritious than others, and research has shown that the most nutritious of them is probably not the milk you’re currently drinking. A study by the US-based Institute for Food Safety and Health revealed that pea milk is the most mineral-rich milk.
THEY OVERCOME COW MILK
The researchers found that pea and soy milk alone had higher levels of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium than cow’s milk. The highest of the two was pea milk. Pea milk was 50 percent more packed with phosphorus, zinc and selenium. However, soy milk contained higher levels of magnesium. Pea milk is obtained from yellow pea protein, not green peas as we know them.
Presenting their findings at the American Chemical Society’s autumn meeting in Chicago, the researchers looked at the nutritional profiles of almond, cashew, coconut, hemp, oat, pea, rice, and soy milks to come to their conclusion. As part of this, they measured levels of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Experts have also warned that mineral content can vary from brand to brand.
CHAMPION COW MILK IN B12 AND CALCIUM
Additionally, if you like cow’s milk, it remains a very nutritious option with high amounts of vitamin B12 and calcium. Previous research has found that it is associated with higher bone density, which may lower your risk of osteoporosis.