As more and more people are adopting a more healthy lifestyle, the demand for more vegan alternatives is on the rise. Oat milk is one of the non-dairy milk products that have become a huge trend in the wellness world.
What is it? Oat milk is made with whole groats that are soaked in water then blended and finally strained with a cheesecloth. "While the leftover oat pulp has the bulk of the fibre and most of the protein in the oats, the liquid or 'milk' that results does have some of the nutrients in oats," registered dietitian Kelly R. Jones told a news portal. Adding, "Because oats absorb water more easily than nuts, when blended well enough, more of the food itself winds up passing through the cheesecloth, giving a creamier texture than nut milk without added ingredients."
For those who suffer from allergies or dairy products, oat milk could be a healthy option to try as it is generally safe. "If you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, you'll want to be sure it was made with certified gluten-free oats," Jones warns. Adding, "While oats are gluten-free in nature, they're often processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing grains, which contaminates the oats with gluten enough to cause a reaction in those with celiac or a serious intolerance."
Some experts believe its nutrition level is more valuable than other plant-based beverages. While oat milk contains a lot of carbohydrates, it also helps to provide a good amount of energy. "One cup serving of oat milk provides 130 calories, 2.5g total fat, 0g saturated fats, 2 grams fibre, 4 grams protein, 35 per cent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium, and 25 per cent for vitamin D," Keri Gans, author of 'The Small Change Diet' told a news portal. Adding, "Compared to cow's milk and soy milk it has less protein; however, compared to other plant-based beverages, e.g., almond, cashew, coconut, and rice, it has more protein."
Jones also added: "Oats also contain the B vitamins thiamin and folate, the minerals magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and copper, as well as a variety of other vitamins and minerals in trace amounts."
Best of all this milk can be used in the same way as you would use cow's milk. "You can use oat milk as your liquid in pancakes and waffles or in place of regular milk when making mashed potatoes or casseroles," Jones told a news portal.