Before I being this post, I realize I’ve really been scrutinizing food and labels lately. I apologize if I’ve made you A number 1 not want to eat anything, or B number 2 so fed up you went out and bought every processed food out there in revolt.
I am not trying to present myself as an “I eat better than you” type of person. I am just trying to make myself as informed as possible and sharing that information with you. Ignorance is not always bliss. So prep yourself… here’s another food label whammy
Recently, I found THIS ARTICLE about ditching almond milk- one of the latest “healthier alternative” foods.
The China Study was one of the leaders of this anti-milk movement for me. It has had many haters. Believe what you want, but the facts are pretty well found, in my opinion.
After years of controversial lab results on animals, the researchers had to see how they played out in humans. The study they created included 367 variables, 65 counties in China, and 6,500 adults (who completed questionnaires, blood tests, etc.). They had more than 8,000 statistically significant associations between lifestyle, diet, and disease variables. The study lasted 20 years… TWENTY. SOURCE
According to this LONG study, there are virtually no nutrients in animal-based foods that are not better provided by plants. So, why not search for other milk options?
Other claims like this made me stop drinking cow’s milk too:
The biochemical make-up of cow’s milk is perfectly suited to turn a 65-pound newborn calf into a 400-pound cow in one year. It contains, for example, three times more protein and seven times more mineral content while human milk has 10 times as much essential fatty acids, three times as much selenium, and half the calcium. Some may like cow’s milk but drinking it is both unnecessary and potentially harmful. SOURCE
and like this
In multiple, peer-reviewed animal studies, researchers discovered that they could actually turn the growth of cancer cells on and off by raising and lowering doses of casein, the main protein found in cow’s milk.
But, what is actually in some of the almond milk I’ve been drinking?
Carrageenan
A texturizing additive coming from seaweed. The FDA says it’s safe, although some studies indicate it causes gastro-intestinal issues and cancer. SOURCE
Additives
Different kinds of thickeners and gums can be found in non-dairy milks.
Vitamin A Palmitate
Many liquid products are fortified with vitamins- that means they do not naturally contain them. There is some controversy surrounding vitamin A palmitate, as it may comefrom palm plantations that are damaging to ecosystems. SOURCE
Basically it’s not JUST almond milk… is it ever JUST the one thing it’s supposed to be?
Ok this has nothing to do with that quote but how funny… just seeing if you were paying attention.
So, I’m going to experiment with making my own almond milk using THIS RECIPE. I will keep you posted. Side bar- yes, I am a stay-at-home mama. Yes, I probably seem to have too much time on my hands. I can assure you I don’t 😉
What are your thoughts?
Be Mom Strong 
This is so interesting to me! I was just comparing labels the other day because so many people use the almond milk in smoothies but I have always just used milk. I also use chocolate milk as a recovery drink. I admit, I am definitely not a health expert and I am definitely more of an everything in moderation person. I would love to hear some reasons why to go almond milk over regular. I feel like I need the protein. I don’t eat a lot of protein and I am not a protein bar kind of person :).
Go to youtube and type Colin T Cambell. He wrote the China Study. You can watch his thoughts rather than read the whole (at many times boring) book!
I like getting milk from local dairy farmers. I use Homestead because it’s convenient and my kiddos prefer them but I like that Old Church Creamery is almost 100% grass-fed which is just the way God intended them to eat so I think there is value in that. I do use Almond milk for some things and my hubby likes it for smoothies but now I’m questioning it. Just this morning I noticed that mine said non-GMO and I was proud of that… I do think your days might have extra hours 😉 Or else you are really super efficient which I’m not.
Chase did not want to transition to whole milk at 1. We tried every flavor and variety. When I asked his pediatrician, the response surprised me. Our doctor said, “milk is not that important.” He loves yogurt, cheese, etc, so we didn’t push it. Of course, now my kids love it, but I try to limit it and push water more.
I was a huge milk lover for years until my body developed an intolerance. I don’t use it anymore. I do use almond milk in my smoothies and this is so disappointing to read. Here I thought I was making a healthier choice!