Comparison of vegetable milks

Have you made a comparison of vegetable milks? Are they really a positive change regarding the consumption of cow's milk? Despite the prejudices surrounding milk consumption, scientific evidence is continually contradicted. This means that there is no causal association between the consumption of this drink and the development of the disease.

For this reason, the objective is to mention the properties present in cow's milk and make a comparison of vegetable milks to, in this way, know those benefits backed by science and break the myths that are shared today.

Animal milk, mainly cow's milk, has been part of the Western diet for many years. Its consumption is has associated with statutory status growth in the childhood, indicator that tells us about adequate growth and development.

Nutritional contribution and impact on growth Are they similar?

Currently, many families have chosen to consume non-animal milks, such as soy milk and almond, for false beliefs. But nevertheless, milks of vegetable origin contain a lower protein and lipid intake than cow's milk, so they do not have the same impact on the growth of children.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2017, for each glass of vegetable milk consumed, The children were 0.4 cm shorter than the population that consumed vegetable milk.

Likewise, there was a difference of 1.5 cm in the height of three-year-old preschool children with consumption of three cups of vegetable milk a day compared to the infant population drinking cow's milk.

Evidence shows that vegetable milks make a smaller contribution of protein and lipids than cow's milk. For this reason, its impact on the growth of children is not the same.

Milk and its nutrients are not essential

Coinciding with information published in Hospital Nutrition, to break false beliefs It is necessary to guarantee the safety and properties that this drink provides in daily life.

It is true that there are other foods that are a source of calcium apart from cow's milk and its derivatives, however, being of plant origin, the Bioavailability and absorption of this mineral is interfered with by substances known as oxalates.

Also, to cover with the recommended intake values, large amounts of these foods should be consumed. In addition, milk contains lactose, vitamin D and peptides (mainly arginine and lysine) that facilitate intestinal calcium absorption.

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Other myths related to the consumption of milk of animal origin

1. Lactose is harmful to health

Approximately 35% of the population has intolerance to this disaccharide, however, It has been proven that most adults with this condition tolerate up to 12 g of lactose per day (present in a 250 ml glass of milk).

It is also necessary to emphasize that lactose-free dairy products present in the market only benefit people with lactose intolerance

2. Milk and its derivatives increase the development of cardiovascular diseases

This statement is related to the contribution of saturated fatty acids; however, these fatty acids (lauric, myelic and pamlithic) would only have a negative effect if consumed in an isolated and excessive way, a situation that does not happen in the case of milk .

Further, milk contains stearic and oleic acid which lower blood cholesterol levels, as well as calcium, cardioprotective mineral.

As you can see, there are myths that unfairly point to milk as harmful to health. However, it is a nutritionally valuable food and can be part of a balanced diet at any stage of life, as long as there is no condition that discourages it.

Comparison of vegetable milks: use in the disease

The treatment of chronic noncommunicable diseases and hormonal disorders is multidisciplinary. For its correct nutritional approach, there are certain nutrients that should be restricted or supplemented. This is why many diseases can benefit from the replacement of consumption of cow's milk with that of plant-based milks:

Rice and oatmeal

Having a high carbohydrate load and very low protein intake, recommended for patients with kidney disease with the aim of avoiding hyperfiltration in kidneys.

Oat milk, like rice, is recommended in case of kidney disease, as they are light in protein.

Almond

It is recommended for people with milk protein allergy and, due to its calcium intake (higher than other vegetable milks), it is recommended for women in menopause.

Soy

Because of its contribution of isoflavones, plant compounds with estrogen-like hormonal activity, cAttributes to the benefit of women in menopause.

Discover: How to make condensed soy milk

Coconut

By having a high contribution of medium chain fatty acids (ACM) and low carbohydrate intake, it helps to reduce the respiratory load, so It is recommended for people with respiratory disorders (asthma, COPD). Also, given its caloric intake and ACM, the population with malnutrition benefits from its consumption.

It is important that, when buying these drinks, the nutritional label is consulted, since many of them have a high contribution of added sugars. Due to the contribution of sugars and high cost, these drinks can be easily prepared at home by simple recipes.

Vegetable milks may be indicated for some health problems. However, your nutritional information should be reviewed, as some presentations contain sugars and additives.

The ongoing debate: can we make a comparison of vegetable milks with cow's milk?

To end, cow's milk is completely different from milks of plant origin, so it cannot be replaced without scientific basis or medical guidance.

There are myths about the properties that contain vegetable milks that have positioned them as a superior product to cow's milk. But nevertheless, Both can be beneficial in certain situations.

By comparing vegetable milks, its properties and application for the treatment of certain conditions or diseases can be known. Also, knowing the nutritional contribution of cow's milk and its derivatives, It can be said that they can be included in a balanced diet at any stage of life.