Even if you are not one of the 30 to 50 million people in the United States who are lactose intolerant, you may, like myself and over a million others, suffer from an allergy to one of the proteins found in milk, such as casein or whey. For the allergic, it means we can’t consume any milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, or any dairy product made from cow’s milk.
While allergies and intolerances are indeed an inconvenience, there are many other reasons to avoid this animal-derived beverage touted as the number one source of calcium (hint: it’s not). Many plant-based foods — such as collard greens, spinach, chia seeds, sesame seeds, okra, and almonds — trump cow’s milk when it comes to calcium.
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Reasons to Avoid Cow’s Milk
Today, you don’t have to be vegan to have heard about the horrors of milk production. According to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),
Cows produce milk for the same reason that humans do — to nourish their young — but calves on dairy farms are taken away from their mothers when they are just one day old. They are fed milk replacers (including cattle blood) so that their mothers’ milk can be sold to humans. Female cows are artificially inseminated shortly after their first birthdays.
We are the only species that ingests another animal’s milk — and continue to do so after infancy. Cow’s milk is designed for the nutritional needs of their calves who, by the way, possess four stomachs.
COWS PRODUCE MILK TO MEET THE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF THEIR CALVES, NOT HUMANS. PHOTO BY STIJN TE STRAKEON UNSPLASH
In addition to this and the overuse of antibiotics, 20 percent of U.S. dairy farmers (on non-organic farms) still inject cows with growth hormones, such as man-made bovine growth hormones (rBGH) or synthetic recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST) developed by agricultural biotech giant, Monsanto, to increase milk production. Genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rBGH/rBST) has been linked to breast, colon, and prostate cancers. However, according to the American Cancer Society,
At this time, it is not clear that drinking milk, produced with or without rBGH treatment, increases blood IGF-1 levels into a range that might be of concern regarding cancer risk or other health effects.
Nonetheless, European nations, Japan, and Canada have banned rBGH to protect their citizens. But it is still legal in the United States. USDA organic milk standards, on the other hand, prohibit organic farmers from injecting their cows with growth hormones.
Plant-Based Milk: Healthier for You & the Planet
Think milk is making kids healthier? Think again. Today, one-third of children are overweight or obese, 70 percent are Vitamin D deficient, and only 12 percent of girls and 17 percent of boys between the ages of 9 and 13 consume the recommended amounts of calcium required. You may hear claims that consumption of copious amounts of milk is the best way to get the calcium needed for strong bones and good health. However, it’s interesting to note that the United States has among the highest rates of osteoporosis in the world.
Many plant-based alternatives have just as much — and many even higher — amounts of calcium per serving than cow’s milk. For example, a cup of 2 percent dairy milk contains 293 mg of calcium, whereas 1 cup of Original Unsweetened Ripple brand pea milk contains a whopping 450 mg of calcium. That’s 50 percent more calcium than cow’s milk coupled with 32 mg of DHA, omega-3s and 8 grams of plant protein per serving; that’s more protein than an egg, which boasts only 6 grams of protein.
In addition to nutritional factors, consider the cow print, or carbon footprint, of milk production. It takes 1,000 gallons of water to make one gallon of dairy milk. Unfortunately, almond milk is not your best choice either, since it takes 1.1 gallons of water to produce a single almond.
In addition, cows require vast amounts of feed, produce equal amounts of waste, and create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The production of just one gallon of dairy milk results in 17.6 pounds of CO2e.
5 Things to Avoid in Plant-Based Milk
1. Thickening Agents
Thickening agents, such as gums and carrageenan, can often upset digestive systems. If you have a gastrointestinal illness, you should watch out for some of these.
- Carrageenan has been linked to cancer, diabetes, and inflammation, according to a report by the Cornucopia Institute. Derived from red seaweed, carrageenan is added to many processed foods and beverages to thicken the products. However, gastrointestinal symptoms have been widely reported with its use. Dozens of peer-reviewed studies cited the dangers of not just degraded, but food-grade (undegraded) carrageenan.
- Guar gum is a soluble fiber. Soluble fibers are prebiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, but they are carbohydrates that the body can’t break down. According to Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietitian Karen Graham, people who have SIBO or IBS can be sensitive to guar gum. Extracted from the cluster bean, guar gum can cause health effects including gas, bloating, and loose stools.
- Xanthum gum is probably an ingredient you recognize. It’s in many products, including wallpaper glue, herbicides, insecticides, and even personal care products. An artificial gum, xanthum gum is commonly used as a thickening agent in foods — especially in gluten-free foods. Xanthum gum is a soluble fiber that is deemed safe for consumption but has also been linked with laxative effects when consumed in quantities of 15 grams a day or more. Since it’s created from a sugar derived from corn, soy, wheat, or dairy, it’s best avoided if you have allergies to any of these.
- Locust bean (carob) gum is a poorly soluble dietary fiber. Locust bean gum can produce similar digestive issues, according to Graham. It is derived from the carob tree. Those allergic to legumes may wish to avoid this gum.
- Gellan gum, like xanthum gum, is produced by bacterial fermentation. There aren’t enough studies available yet to determine affect on digestive health. However, one human study found it to be a bulking agent with no adverse health effects.
Gums can have health benefits and are not harmful, says Registered Dietitian Karen Graham; however, they can make people with gastrointestinal issues very uncomfortable. She advises gum arabic for anyone concerned about digestive issues, as people usually do not have problems with gum arabic.
2. Sweetened Versions
With so many original and unsweetened versions of plant-based milk available today, it’s best to avoid the unnecessary sugar load with too much sweetened, or flavored plant-based milk alternatives. Of course, you can splurge, but with increasing rates of obesity today in the U.S., it’s advisable to restrict your sugar intake.
3. Non-Organic Versions
Glyphosate. If you aren’t already familiar with it by name, it’s a probable cancer-causing herbicide that’s widely used by non-organic farmers. Look for USDA Organic certified options, which are produced without antibiotics, added growth hormones, or pesticides for a healthier you and a happier planet.
4. Genetically Modified Versions
Genetically modified crops, particularly corn and soybeans, are popular with U.S. farmers. St. Louis-based Monsanto is the leading developer of such crops. To be sure your product doesn’t contain any genetically modified ingredients, always look for the Non-GMO Project Verified certification on the label. Defined as a “genetically modified organism,” GMO refers to a living organism whereby a gene from an unrelated species is inserted into the organism to alter the original gene. It is also referred to as “transgenic” technology.
5. Soy Milk
Soy has been touted as a “health food” and unrightfully so. A highly processed food, soy contains anti-nutrients that block digestive enzymes and is high in plant estrogens. Today, over 80 percent of U.S. corn, soybean, and cotton crops are genetically modified. Two dozen countries, including the U.S., allow the cultivation of biotech crops, while much of Europe, Japan, and most of Africa remain opposed to genetically altered crops.
Tofu and soy milk are unfermented soy products that you may want to avoid. Soy is a phytoestrogen that contains isoflavones, a compound similar in structure to estrogen. Too much estrogen can lead to estrogen dominance and other hormonal imbalances; it’s even been shown to cause a “spare tire” around the middle and “man boobs.” Women with a history or family history of breast cancer, and post-menopausal women and men should avoid soy products due to its high phytoestrogen (plant estrogens) content.
WHILE IT’S A HEALTHY PLANT-BASED ALTERNATIVE, ALMOND MILK MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR THE PLANET, AS ALMOND CULTIVATION IS VERY WATER-INTENSIVE.
Suggested Plant-Based Milk Brands
Elmhurst
One brand Karen Graham, RDN, recommends is Elmhurst. Founded in 1925, Elmhurst operated as a traditional dairy brand for 90 years. Today, however, Elmhurst offers only 100 percent plant-based beverages containing no more than six and as few as two ingredients per product. Elmhurst doesn’t use any gums or emulsifiers in their nut milk.
Graham recommends their unsweetened walnut milk, which contains just filtered water and walnuts. It’s chock-full of heart-healthy omega fatty acids: 1400 mg ALA omega-3s per serving. In addition, new research from Marshall University found that consuming walnuts changes our genes to help suppress the growth and survival of breast cancer.
Elmhurst is sustainable, too. In fact, via their HydroRelease zero-waste process, all parts of the nut or grain are used, which maintains a smooth and creamy texture. Elmhurst’s cartons are 100 percent recyclable and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
ELMHURST UNSWEETENED WALNUT MILK CONTAINS JUST FILTERED WATER AND WALNUTS.
Don’t like walnuts? No worries. Elmhurst also offers clean protein drinks and several plant-based milks including Walnut, Hazelnut, Almond, Cashew, Oat, and Chocolate Peanut. They also offer a hemp creamer.
Ripple
Another clean brand Graham suggests is Ripple. Ripple’s unsweetened pea milk contains zero grams of sugar, zero carbohydrates and eight grams of protein per serving; that’s eight times the protein contained in almond milk. Lower in sugar and calories than dairy milk, Ripple milk has 50 percent more bioavailable calcium and potassium.
Ripple uses bottles made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic that is 100 percent recyclable, and the ingredients are certified Non-GMO Project verified.
11 Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
These plant-based beverages are available from a variety of brands, but some are easier to find than others. That’s because many are new to market and not yet on store shelves — especially traditional grocery stores. However, you’ll likely find most at Whole Foods or your local health food store. If you can’t find a specific plant-based milk type locally, you may find it on Amazon. Better yet, make your own— they’re really not that complicated if you have the time.
Each of these plant-based drinks offers different nutritional benefits, but most include calcium and protein. For the healthiest milk alternatives, we recommend you choose organic, non-GMO, and unsweetened plant-based milks whenever possible.
- Oat milk
- Hazelnut milk
- Cashew milk
- Macadamia milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Rice milk
- Hemp milk
- Pea milk
- Flax milk
- Walnut milk
Comparison Chart
To view our printable comparison chart of plant-based milk alternatives, click the image below. Each nut milk brand varies slightly, so we’ve provided general information on an original or unsweetened version of each plant-based milk alternative. Details will vary by brand.
The assortment of brands today offers a variety of plant-based milk alternatives coupled with the numerous nutritional benefits, a variety of flavors, and low carbon footprint. I hope you’ll consider switching from dairy milk to a nut- or other plant-based milk.
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