Health Benefits of Almond Milk

It may be fairly new to the U.S. health food scene, but almond milk is already creating a buzz, touting benefits like better vision, weight loss, stronger bones, and heart health. Almond milk also helps to build strong muscles, assists in maintaining healthy blood pressure, and improved kidney function, but it lacks protein and fiber unless it is fortified. Almond milk also contains many vitamins, including:

  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Zinc

Additionally, you can find other beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, B-6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamin E in almond milk – making it a great option to keep your body happy and healthy!

Almond Milk and Healthy Blood Pressure

For those who have soy, dairy or lactose tolerance issues, almond milk is a great alternative. Our bodies need specific vitamins and nutrients to allow our veins to move blood throughout our bodies. If we lack essential nutrients – such as vitamin D – blockages and inefficient blood movement can occur, leading to high blood pressure. Those who are intolerant to soy and dairy may be lacking in these necessary nutrients, and the milk made from almonds is a great way to incorporate these back into the diet.

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Almond Milk and Heart Health

Since there is absolutely no cholesterol in almond milk, it is a healthy food to incorporate into your diet, while taking advantage of the many nutritional benefits. Consuming this healthy milk ensures that you are taking in vital potassium, which is a primary nutrient that acts as a vasodilator and reduces tension and strain on the heart.

Almond Milk and Kidney Health

If we take in too much calcium or potassium, our kidneys will suffer for it. Unlike dairy and soy products, almond milk contains a limited amount of calcium (although calcium is often added to the product) and potassium. For those who suffer from kidney conditions, it may be necessary to limit calcium and potassium. Consuming almond milk can provide the ” milk-like” quality, but prevent excess calcium and potassium intake.

Almond Milk and Healthy Skin

Our skin depends on many types of vitamins and minerals to keep it healthy. In addition to all the vitamins and nutrients found in almond milk, there are also antioxidants that help to repair damaged skin. Additionally, the milk can be applied as a skin cleanser, allowing the skin to absorb the beneficial nutrients from the outside in.

Almond Milk and Strong Bones

Almond milk contains calcium (when it is added in processing), which is required for maintaining and forming teeth and healthy bones, while reducing the risk for osteoporosis. For those who are lactose intolerant, or are allergic to dairy or soy, almond milk is a great alternative. Just one serving of calcium-fortified almond milk contains 45 percent of the recommended daily requirement, so it’s a great option for healthy bones.

If you are interested in changing up your diet, so that you can enjoy all the benefits of almond milk, discuss your plans with your physician to ensure that any existing medical conditions will be affected. Not convinced almond milk is right for you? Take a look at our milk matchup infographic to learn more about the health benefits of different types of milk.

About UPMC

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, UPMC is a world-renowned health care provider and insurer. We operate 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient centers, with locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, and internationally. We employ 4,900 physicians, and we are leaders in clinical care, groundbreaking research, and treatment breakthroughs. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside as one of the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. We are dedicated to providing Life Changing Medicine to our communities.