Breastfeeding mothers need to be careful about what they eat and drink since it could affect the baby through breast milk. Some babies may even acquire a taste of what they eat through breast milk. Milk is a common beverage you may consume but is it safe to consume almond milk while breastfeeding? In general, drinking almond milk offers numerous health benefits as it is high in essential nutrients. Continue reading to learn if you can drink almond milk when nursing your baby, as well as its nutritional content and health advantages.
What Is Almond Milk?
Almond milk serves as an alternative to dairy milk. It is a plant-based beverage obtained by grinding the toasted raw almonds with water. Almond milk is a nutritious and natural drink that contains no added colors or flavors. (1)
Nutritional Value Of Almond Milk
Compared to normal cow’s milk, almond milk is low in both fats and calories. A single cup of sweetened almond milk contains approximately 90 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. On the other hand, a cup of cow’s milk contains 120 calories and 5 grams of fat. Almond milk can also serve as a low-calorie natural drink if you avoid adding artificial flavors and sweeteners to it. A cup of plain almond milk contains 30 calories only! Additionally, as the almond milk is not an animal-based product, it does not contain cholesterol or harmful saturated fats. (2) However, it only provides 1 gram of protein per cup, whereas a single cup of cow’s milk supplies 8 grams of protein. Almond milk is low in fats and rich in vitamin E, vitamin D, Vitamin A, and calcium. It also contains trace amounts of sodium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and dietary fiber. All these elements can ensure the healthy growth and development of your breastfeeding baby. (3)
Health Benefits Of Almond Milk While Breastfeeding
Here are some of the ways in which drinking almond milk while breastfeeding can work wonders for your health:
Enhances Breast Milk Production: The considerable amount of omega-3 fatty acids in almonds may stimulate your hormones, although scientifically not proven to enhance your breast milk quantity and quality. If you are suffering from a poor lactation level, drinking almond milk regularly can have psychological effects only in enhancing breast milk.
Boosts Your Immunity: The delicious alternative to cow’s milk is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. Regular intake of it can improve the functioning of your immune system and keep dreadful diseases and infections at bay. It can boost your pace of recovery post childbirth and safeguard the health of your little one.
Protects Bone Health: The calcium and phosphorus content of almond milk helps to ensure stronger and healthier bone development in your growing baby.
Improves Eye And Skin Health: As a new mother juggling maternal chores taking out time for grooming must be a mission impossible for you! Fret not! Do you know a glass of almond milk not only guarantees good health but also ensures that compliments keep coming your way! Almond milk is a rich source of Vitamin A that helps fight oxidative stress, eliminate free radicals, prevent aging and protect against macular degeneration. The Vitamin E in it can give you a glowing skin and a lustrous mane without any effort!
How To Prepare Homemade Almond Milk?
Here is a simple method to enjoy the goodness of homemade almond milk: (4) You Will Need:
1 cup of raw almonds
3 cups of water
3 Pitted dates
A pinch of salt
How To:
Is Almond Milk Safe While Breastfeeding?
Remember, as a breastfeeding mother your diet will have a direct impact on your baby’s health. Therefore, it is advisable that you seek a nod of approval from your doctor before adding almond milk to your postnatal diet or completely replacing cow’s milk with it. Remember to consume it in moderate quantities only as anything in excess during this delicate phase may spell danger for you or your baby.
