Q: I have read that almond milk is healthier than cow's milk. Is it safe to switch the entire family to almond milk?
Almond milk has gained popularity recently as a substitute for cow's milk. In the past, soy milk was a more popular milk replacement; however, recent concerns about high levels of phytoestrogens (or estrogen-like substances) found in soy products have led people to explore other options.
Almond milk has many positive attributes. It is lower in calories than cow's milk and is cholesterol-free. Almond milk is a good option for people who have an allergy to cow's milk. Almond milk is typically fortified with vitamin D and calcium, making it a good source of both.
Although almond milk is a healthy food, parents should consider several other factors before eliminating cow's milk from a child's diet. The first thing to think about is the age of the child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, until age 2, children drink whole milk. Children in this age group need the extra fat in whole milk because of rapid growth and brain development.
The next thing that parents should realize is that completely eliminating a food group such as dairy from a child's diet can place him or her at risk of vitamin deficiencies. In other words, if a child drinks almond milk, it is beneficial to still consume dairy products in other forms such as yogurt and cheese.
Finally, it should be noted that cow's milk is a good source of protein (8 grams per 1-cup serving) whereas almond milk is not (1 gram per serving).
There are several reasons that parents may decide or be required to eliminate dairy from a child's diet, including milk allergy or choosing a vegan lifestyle. In these situations, parents should consult with a nutritionist to ensure their child is receiving adequate nutrition from nondairy sources. For otherwise healthy children, almond milk should be considered a healthy food that could be incorporated into a well-balanced diet that includes other dairy products.
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