The argument between dairy and nut milk is more relevant than ever when it comes to selecting the healthiest milk. Given the distinct nutritional advantages of each choice, it's critical to think about which one best suits your dietary requirements and way of life. We'll examine the benefits and drawbacks of each in this article so you may choose the kind of milk that best suits your health objectives.

When comparing nut milk which comes from sources like almonds, cashews and oats with that of dairy milk, it is a must to consider their nutritional characteristics and its impact on the body in different ways.

Dairy Milk has its own set of advantages. It has a high amount of protein, calcium and vitamin D which is great for the body. Nut Milk has a much lower protein content than dairy milk. One solution for this issue is that if you complement your nut milks with Vitamin D and Calcium, nut milks can end up having more benefits than that of dairy.

There are a lot of factors one can consider in choosing between nut milks and dairy milks including lifestyle choices, health objectives and so on.

Diabetes

According to Eshanka Wahi, culinary nutritionist, holistic wellness coach, founder of Eat Clean With Eshanka, “For people who have diabetes, I recommend using nut milk because it keeps the blood sugar under control. There are a myriad of options when it comes to nut milk that are lower in calories but taste just as good as almond or coconut milk. These nuts are unsweetened unlike dairy milks, which have a higher lactose level and quite a bit of sugar, which can occasionally cause spikes and fluctuations in the blood sugar of a person. It is better to avoid dairy milk for diabetics and rather opt for unsweetened nut milks so that their condition does not worsen over time. It is better to stay on the safe side with this, especially for diabetes patients. Nut milks like oat milk, almond milk, etc. have a low glycemic index, which is beneficial when it comes to managing the blood sugar levels, especially for patients who have diabetes or are prone.”

Weight loss

If you are trying to keep your weight under control and reduce fat, nut milk is a better option in comparison to dairy milk. It is also perfect for people who are trying to lose weight normally or postpartum. They help in weight loss mainly because they contain fewer calories and carbohydrates. Dairy milk does have its fair share of benefits. It is incredibly high in protein, calcium, etc. but also has a lot of saturated fat, which is not good for the body, especially if you’re on a weight loss journey.

Lactose intolerance

Nut milks are usually the best alternative choice for lactose-intolerant people since they digest more easily and have fewer calories and saturated fat, which is a bonus!



Heart health

According to Dr. Archana Batra, dietitian, Certified diabetes educator, “Nut milks should be a preference for heart patients because they are usually unsweetened and much lighter on the body. One of the disadvantages of dairy milk is the amount of saturated fats present in it, which is detrimental for people who want to improve their heart health. Nut milks like flaxseed or walnut milk are also very rich in Omega 3, which can further protect your heart.”


Hormonal disorders

Additionally, nut milks are lighter on the stomach in comparison to dairy milk, which is beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight or are diagnosed with PCOD. Studies have shown that nut milks are very beneficial for people with PCOD since it helps them become insulin sensitive, which is quite the opposite from dairy milk, which tends to worsen hormonal deficiencies because of insulin-raising effects. These advantages of nut milk make women, especially pregnant women with hormonal disorders, opt for nut milk over dairy.

Acne

Nut milk has more advantages than dairy milk since they also help in reducing acne. Dairy products also aggravate acne since the hormones in milk can occasionally affect our own hormones as well, confounding the endocrine system and causing breakouts. Due to these reasons, nut milk is often considered to be a healthier alternative in comparison to dairy milk.

Environment-friendly

Environmental and ethical impacts of dairy milk must be taken into consideration. In this case, any plant-based milk, as the name suggests, has a lesser carbon impact than the usual dairy milks. People who care about animals and their welfare can choose nut milks over dairy, considering that they are a better and cruelty-free substitute.

Nut milks can be used in cooking, whether it is in coffees, smoothies, or soups. However, what you choose depends on your nutritional needs, eating habits, and health goals.