Not too long ago, when we heard the word ‘milk’, the first thing that popped into our minds was cow or perhaps goat milk. But recently we’ve seen the rise of a variety of milk variants and substitutes.
Currently, with the rise in veganism, healthy diet plans and to cater to the needs of the lactose intolerant, there are several plant-based milk alternatives available in the market. Ranging from Almond Milk, Cashew milk, Soy milk, Rice milk to Coconut milk the list just keeps on growing. Like natural milk, these derived milk alternatives have benefits of their own catering to the needs of the consumer. Rice milk among them, is gaining massive popularity due to its excess health benefits and reduced risks involved in its use. Let’s have look at from how it’s made to benefits of using it.
How is it made?
All-Natural, Hypoallergenic and Gluten-Free, Rice milk is a dairy-free variety of milk made from milled rice and water. It is produced by passing rice through a natural enzymatic process that converts carbohydrates into sugars, resulting in a naturally produced lactose-free form of milk. The production process ensures a perfect blend of monosaccharides, disaccharides and complex carbohydrates – resulting in a fine grade powder that can be reconstituted into a delicious milk alternative
Since there are no animal by-products involved in the production of Rice milk it is a very popular alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Moreover owing to the dairy-free benefit there is no lactose found in this derived milk, making it perfect for people with lactose intolerance while still delivering several important nutrients.
Rice Milk powder can be easily premixed and stored with a standard ratio of 5 measures of water to 1 measure of milk powder, resulting in a great tasting dairy-free substitute. The resulting mix can be used in teas or coffees to achieve a perfect blend. The mixture can also be directly used as a substitute for other kinds of milk in smoothies, ice creams and for baking purposes etc.
Health Benefits of Rice Milk
Rice milk is obtained from rice. While we already know Rice is – gluten-free, cholesterol-free, free from trans-fat and saturated-fat, it is also rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential minerals and vitamins. These nutrients of Rice correspond in the Rice milk. Benefits of rice milk include the following:
1. Beneficial for Heart:
As rice milk contains no cholesterol, therefore it is an excellent substituent for those having a high cholesterol problem.
2. Ideal for Lactose intolerance:
Lactose is a type of sugar made from the combination of two simple sugars namely glucose and galactose. Some people have a problem of digesting lactose as they are unable of producing lactose breaking enzymes in their body. Therefore rice milk becomes an alternative for normal dairy milk.
3. Suitable for allergic (milk proteins):
Milk contains mainly two types of proteins ‘casein’ and ‘milk albumin’. People who are allergic to these proteins may suffer severe cell damage by consuming milk. Rice milk is a nice alternative source as it does not contain any dairy proteins.
4. Rich in Vitamin B:
Rice milk is a good source of vitamins B like thiamine, niacin, riboflavin vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin B keeps the nervous system, skin, and eyesight healthy. It provides energy to the body.
5. Rich with carbohydrate:
Rice milk is a good source of carbohydrate that is it provides energy and is less in fat. Carbohydrate helps in keeping the body fit and fine and lowers the cholesterol level.
Conclusion:
In summary, we now know that Rice Milk is the least allergenic of all milk alternatives. It can be fortified to be a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Rice milk is naturally sweeter than other milk alternatives. Finally, we can conclude that rice milk is in-fact a healthier alternative to dairy milk, especially for people with food allergies or health complications. Other people can also try it for additional health benefits. It’s indeed a win-win situation!
