Are you a fan of almond milk?
It’s a popular alternative to dairy milk, especially for those with lactose allergies or who prefer a plant-based diet.
But have you ever wondered if almond milk can cause inflammation in your body?
There’s a lot of debate on this topic, with some claiming that almond milk is a healthy choice, while others argue that it can be harmful.
In this article, we’ll explore the properties of almond milk and whether it has any ability to reduce or cause inflammation.
So, grab a glass of your favorite beverage and let’s dive in!
Can Almond Milk Cause Inflammation?
One of the main concerns about almond milk is its high omega-6 content. Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that our bodies need, but too much of it can lead to inflammation. Almonds are naturally high in omega-6, and when they are processed into almond milk, the concentration of this fatty acid can become even higher.
In fact, one cup of whole almonds contains 17,440 mg of omega-6, and each cup of almonds produces approximately 4 cups of almond milk. This means that a single cup of almond milk can contain around 4,360 mg of omega-6.
For those who already have a diet high in omega-6, consuming almond milk regularly could potentially contribute to inflammation in the body.
Another concern is the use of carrageenan in some brands of almond milk. Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed that is used as a stabilizing and thickening agent in many processed foods and beverages, including almond milk.
Research from the University of Iowa has linked carrageenan to digestive distress and inflammation. While most of the health concerns about this additive are linked to the degraded kind, we don’t know how the food-grade one reacts once exposed to our stomach acid and GI environment.
The chemical structure of carrageenan innately triggers an immune response in the body which ultimately leads to inflammation. Inflammation is the precursor to over 100 human diseases, and it has been found that carrageenan can cause GI diseases in lab animals, including ulcerative colitis and intestinal lesions.
What Is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is a non-dairy milk alternative made from ground almonds and water. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its low calorie and low-fat content, as well as its ability to be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in recipes and beverages.
Almond milk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, calcium, and vitamin D, making it a nutritious option for those who cannot or choose not to consume dairy products.
However, as mentioned earlier, almond milk can also contain carrageenan, a food additive that has been linked to digestive distress and inflammation. It is important to read the labels of almond milk products carefully and choose brands that do not contain carrageenan if you are concerned about its potential health effects.
Nutritional Value Of Almond Milk
Despite the concerns about its potential to cause inflammation, almond milk has several nutritional benefits that make it a popular alternative to dairy milk. One of the most notable benefits is its high vitamin E content. In fact, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of almond milk naturally contains 22% of the recommended daily vitamin E requirement.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can combat inflammation and stress in the body. It helps to clean up excess molecules, called free radicals, that can cause damage to cells and contribute to stress, inflammation, and disease. Studies suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin E may also help decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Almond milk is also low in calories and fat compared to dairy milk. Most brands contain 90 calories per serving or less, with many claiming only around 50 calories. The fat content is also very low in every version of almond milk.
While almond milk may not have as much protein as dairy milk, it still provides a significant amount of protein. Nuts are packed full of protein, and getting enough protein is essential for a healthy, well-balanced diet. Protein helps the body burn fat, build muscle, and speed up metabolism.
Inflammation: Causes And Effects
Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury or infection. It is a protective mechanism that helps the body fight off harmful pathogens and repair damaged tissue. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
One of the main causes of chronic inflammation is an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. While both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health, they need to be consumed in the right balance. The typical Western diet is high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3s, which can contribute to chronic inflammation.
Almond milk is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can potentially contribute to inflammation in the body. While it does contain some omega-3s, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in almond milk is much higher than what our bodies need for optimal health.
Another cause of inflammation is the consumption of food additives like carrageenan. Carrageenan has been linked to digestive distress and inflammation, which can contribute to chronic inflammation over time.
The effects of chronic inflammation can be severe and long-lasting. It can damage tissues and organs, leading to a range of health problems like arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Factors That May Contribute To Inflammation
There are several factors that may contribute to inflammation in the body when consuming almond milk. One of the main concerns is the high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that our bodies need, consuming too much of it can lead to inflammation.
Another factor to consider is the use of carrageenan in some brands of almond milk. Carrageenan has been linked to digestive distress and inflammation, as it triggers an immune response in the body that can lead to inflammation.
It’s also important to note that some people may have a nut allergy or sensitivity, which can cause inflammation and other negative side effects when consuming almond milk.
Benefits Of Almond Milk
Despite the concerns about its omega-6 content and the use of carrageenan in some brands, almond milk does have some potential health benefits.
Firstly, almond milk is an excellent source of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that may combat inflammation and stress in the body. Antioxidants help to clean up excess molecules called free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to stress, inflammation, and disease. Vitamin E may also help decrease the risk of cancer, protect against heart disease and cancer, and benefit bone and eye health.
Almond milk is also a lower calorie option than dairy milk, with most brands containing 90 calories per serving or less. It is also low in fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to cut calories.
For those who are intolerant to dairy, almond milk is a great alternative that does not cause inflammation in the gut. It is soothing to the intestines and does not cause negative digestive side effects for most people.
Additionally, almonds are packed full of protein, making almond milk a good source of protein for those who are looking to build muscle, burn fat, or speed up their metabolism.
