5 benefits of oat milk you didn't know existed

Presenting the most popular non-diary alternative to boost your immunity amid the pandemic

Oat milk is the most popular non-dairy milk alternative in the market right now. Between its naturally sweet and nutty flavor, creamy texture, and variety of purported health benefits, it isn’t hard to figure out why everyone—lactose-intolerant or not—is opting to order their latté with Oat milk.

This milk is a plant-based alternative to animal’s milk that has gained popularity among vegans. It is even packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that provide health benefits you can’t find in other milk. And here are five of them as compiled from Medical Daily.

1. Nutrient packed

Oat milk is rich in fiber and essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B12 and D, as per Oatly. It also contains two grams of dietary fiber, 46 percent riboflavin, 27 percent calcium, 22 percent phosphorus, six percent potassium and two percent iron. Although when compared to almond milk, it contains more calories, carbohydrates and fiber but fortified oat milk has added B vitamins. Upping your vitamin and nutrient intake improves your body’s functions and helps you feel energised.

2. Vegan-friendly

According to Health Line, oat milk is an optimal diet ingredient for those who have allergies and intolerance for dairy products. Made of only oats and water, this plant-based milk is a vegan's favorite. It is also a preferred choice for those who follow a gluten-free diet given that it's free of soy and nuts - unless you add them.

3. Lowers blood cholesterol

A soluble fiber called beta-glucans has several heart benefits. This forms a gel-link substance inside your gut that helps lower your blood cholesterol levels. A study revealed that drinking three cups or 750 ml of oat milk daily for five weeks reduces the total blood cholesterol by three percent with a five percent decrease in LDL.

4. Prevents Anemia

A vegan diet puts a person at a higher risk of becoming anemic since most plant foods lack the essential micronutrients that prevent this condition. Anemia is a serious illness that develops due to a lack of red blood cells and you may prevent it by consuming iron suplements to sustain your body.

But according to Dr. Axe, just a cup of oat milk contains 10 percent of the iron you need for the entire day. This can be best consumed alongside lentils and dark chocolate.

5. Boosts immunity

The high vitamin composition of oat milk helps strengthen the immune system. According to a study in found in the US National Library of Medicine, vitamin A and D sufficiency wards off illnesses and infections. It also prevents the development of serious health conditions such as Crohn’s disease and type 1 diabetes.

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